Customers benefit from therapy dog visit

Customers at our Chamomile Gardens Extra Care scheme in Biggleswade recently enjoyed a visit from a therapy dog.

Three-year-old Pudgy made her first visit to the scheme and had quite an impact on our customers.

Mary, who was one of the customers to meet Pudgy while enjoying a drink and a chat with other residents, said: “I think the idea of a therapy dog coming to visit us is a brilliant idea.

“It’s certainly encouraged more residents to come and socialise today because they’re curious about Pudgy.

“She’s an amazing dog and we’d love to welcome her back.”

Pudgy’s owner, Sally, said that visits such as this have many benefits.

She added: “Bringing Pudgy to visit residents here and community cafés can really help create positive feelings.

“Pudgy brings companionship and company, and can help people to relax, lower their blood pressure and reduce feelings of loneliness, particularly when she has one-on-one time with someone.

“As well as improving the wellbeing of adults, Pudgy’s also great with children. I take her into schools or situations where children may have additional needs, problems at home or are adjusting to changes.

“I’ve been thrilled to see children, who previously wouldn’t engage with reading, sitting down and reading a book out loud to Pudgy after a few months of getting to know her.

“And where a child may be anxious, or struggling to regulate their emotions, we suggest Pudgy is in the same situation as them, and ask how the child would help Pudgy to feel better. This in turn helps the child navigate their own feelings.

“Pudgy is a cute mix of mainly Old English Bulldog, but with a bit of Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Boxer, breeds that can sometimes put people off dogs. Getting to know Pudgy can help people to see these breeds differently.

“I’d previously worked as a paramedic, but when I had my family, I started a dog walking and boarding business and we would foster dogs from the Luna Animal Rescue, which is based in the Stotfold area.

“We fostered Pudgy when she was eight months old and rehabilitated her after an operation on her leg to help her walk after an accident. She won us over with her gentle nature and fun-loving attitude and we decided to adopt her. She needed some basic training and confidence building around certain things she was afraid of. She learnt quickly and it wasn’t long before she passed her therapy dog certification with flying colours!

“Pudgy and I aim to spread love and positivity wherever we go. She went from being abandoned, frightened and alone to a happy dog bringing joy to others. I like to think it shows people that with a bit of TLC, patience and determination, even the most vulnerable can become a source of strength and joy for others.”

Lisa Kearns, Head of Independent Living and Domestic Abuse, said she knew customers at Chamomile Gardens would enjoy the visit from Pudgy.

She added: “Pudgy was first introduced to us through Nicola King’s Youth Involvement work, and it was clear straight away what a hit she was with the young people in our communities. After meeting Pudgy, we knew that our customers attending Activity Days and those living in our Extra Care schemes would enjoy her company just as much as we did.

“Creating communities and accommodation that puts customer wellbeing first is at the heart of what we do. Having Pudgy visit has been a wonderful way for people to come together, socialise, and enjoy the unique benefits that a therapy dog brings. We’re really looking forward to welcoming Pudgy to more of our services in the future.”