Meet our latest leading lady – “paw-some” pet therapy dog Nell.
The adorable Shih Tzu, who will be nine later this month, is a much-loved visitor to sites across our Trust, including Auckland Park, Primrose Lodge and Lanchester Road Hospital.
“She loves meeting people and is very affectionate,” said owner Diane Ralph. “She has a touch of arthritis, which leaves her a little stiff at times, but it doesn’t put her off.
“Nell is happy to sit with someone all day if they want it. She is a very relaxing, happy dog. Her big, brown eyes beg you to stroke her, and her tail goes all the time.”
Little Nell is “paw-some” addition to our band of volunteers
Diane, from Washington, adopted Nell at ten weeks old. However, it was only after retiring from work two years ago that the former marketeer looked into therapy pet training.
“I had some time on my hands, spotted an advert on Facebook for therapy dogs, and decided to apply. Nell passed with flying colours,” she said.
Nell and Diane joined Wag & Company – a North East charity which organises friendship dog visits to older animal lovers living in their own homes, in care or in hospital.
The pair have travelled all over the region since signing up for the scheme – spreading happiness wherever Nell and her ever-wagging tail go.
“Nell is such a lovely dog that it would be a waste just me seeing her. This way she can bring joy to so many people,” said Diane, 69, who used to work at Sunderland Marine.
“Staff seem to get as much joy from her as patients. When she visits Auckland Park at the end of October, I’ll take in a special birthday cake for the patients and staff because they really make my visit special.
“I wasn’t looking for a dog at all when I first got Nell, as I was still at work, but now I honestly don’t know what I would do without her. She sleeps on my bed and wherever I go she goes.”
Helping to spread joy and happiness
The pair have enjoyed adventures around the UK and Europe together, travelling via Eurostar, but little Nell is always happy to return home to her visiting sessions.
“She’s wonderful, she really is. I think she seems born to this,” said Diane.
Katie Adams, who works as a voluntary services co-ordinator for the Trust, today praised Diane and Nell for the happiness they bring to all who meet them.
“They are so popular with staff and patients. It’s wonderful to see the smiles as they walk into a room. They are such a great example of the value our amazing volunteers bring to the Trust – spreading joy and comfort with every visit,” she said.
