It’s a dog’s life for County Durham animal lovers Pam and David Coombs – and they couldn’t be happier about it.
The couple, from Stanley, spend hours each week bringing happiness and healing smiles to hospital patients with their three therapy pups.
“It is something we started years ago, when my mam was ill, and have just kept on with it,” said Pam, a governor for Tees, Esk and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
“It’s lovely to see the dogs bring a smile to staff and patients – and we both really enjoy making visits to the wards. It’s amazing how much joy pets bring to people.”
Love of dogs runs in the family
Pam, 65, a retired tutor for TEWV’s expert patient programme, grew up around dogs – with a love of animals instilled at an early age by her grandfather Henry Hindmarch.
Henry, who worked as a police officer, bred Jack Russells in his spare time and often walked the beat around Sunderland and later Ferryhill with a canine companion.
Unsurprisingly, Pam’s mother Edna was given a Jack Russell as her first pet – as was Pam. Although she had a sheepdog and Airedale terrier while growing up too.
“Dogs have always been important in my life. They are all so special,” she said. “But I never really thought about their use as therapy animals until my mam got ill.
“She ended up in a nursing home after having a stroke and we asked for special permission to bring our Jack Russell Meg in to see her.
“It really brightened her up and got her smiling.”
Special bond with animals
A special bond developed between Edna and Meg during these visits – with the little dog lying on Edna’s bed and bringing her comfort through difficult times.
Such was the happiness Meg brought to Edna that one of the nursing home staff suggested she might make an excellent therapy dog.
Pam and David applied – and the rest is history.
“We put Meg through a temperament assessment to qualify as a therapy dog, and then started visiting other nursing homes and hospitals as well with her,” said Pam.
“At the same time, we had adopted a recue dog, Jess, who had been badly burned. She was such a gentle soul and, once she recovered, we took her to see mam too.
“We got Meg and Jess as pets, never thinking they’d be therapy dogs. But they both ended up doing wonderful work and bringing happiness to a great many people.”
Looking to the future
Pam and David spent several happy years spreading cheer with their pets, until Jess sadly passed away at 18 at the start of lockdown, followed by Meg two years ago.
The couple were determined not to get any more dogs, as they had so many fond memories of the pair, but eventually gave in to their need for canine companions.
Three new dogs – border terrier Bella, Jack Russell/border terrier mix Sasha and cocker spaniel Ben – have now joined the family.
They have also taken on the therapy dog tradition.
“We weren’t going to have any more dogs after Jess and Meg – but the house felt very empty and we ended up with three from friends and relatives,” said Pam.
“We get so much pleasure and happiness from our dogs, and it is just so nice to share it. Animals are so calming – patients just relax and start chatting to them.”
Helping to spread cheer and happiness
David, 67, a retired PC engineer, often works with Ben the cocker spaniel on the Bowes Lyon Unit at Lanchester Road Hospital in Durham.
Just recently he was presented with a coloured picture of Ben by one of the patents, who had found great peace of mind and happiness through the little dog’s visits.
Pam, a team leader, assessor and volunteer for Therapy Dogs Nationwide, also visits Lanchester Road with Sasha and Bella – as well as homes, hospitals and schools.
“I suppose it is a bit like “coming home” when you get to see a dog while you’re in hospital. It’s a little bit of comfort, especially if you are a dog lover,” she said.
“The other day I was talking to a patient who really opened up when she saw Bella. She sat and chatted to her – which then helped her open up to the staff after that.
“I would really encourage people to come forward and do pet therapy. You, and your dogs, can do so much good for other people – and it’s really enjoyable too.”
- If you would like to get involved with volunteering with your dog for hospital visits across TEWV sites, contact tewv.volunteer@nhs.net.
