As anyone with a pet knows, there’s nothing like the unconditional love an animal provides to help ease a bad day.
The health benefits of interacting with animals are well documented and include reducing stress, anxiety and loneliness and providing people with an important social connection.
At St Catherine’s Hospice, patient’s own pets are allowed to visit and the hospice is also supported by three Pets as Therapy (PAT) volunteers – Mitch, a Chihuahua Daschund Cross, Jasmine the cat and Bonnie the Labrador.
In 2014-2015, 254 hours of wags, purrs and cuddles were given out by these extra special therapy volunteers.
Spending time on St Catherine’s wards, Mitch, Jasmine and Bonnie offer patients and their visitors comfort, companionship and cuddles at a difficult time.
During their visits, each patient is asked if they would like to see them. Some animals are lifted onto beds for patients to enjoy a close encounter and a cuddle, other times patients simply share stories, photos and memories of their own pets.
For the last two and a half years, Liz has been bringing Mitch, a friend’s dog, to visit patients.
She explains: “I love walking him for a friend so I thought if it helps me, he could help others. The reactions Mitch creates on the ward are wonderful. Sometimes we go in and you’ll get someone straight on their hands and knees saying hello.”
Jasmine is a particularly special hospice visitor as she’s one of the few cats registered with Pets as Therapy.
Her owner Adam said: “When I was in hospital, it was wonderful to see my dogs. Originally I thought our dog would be a PAT volunteer, but Jasmine turned out to be the best animal.
“Most cats probably wouldn’t be suitable but she’s fantastic with people. She can be very energetic at home but knows the routine at the hospice. She’s used to coming here so she’s very relaxed.”
St Catherine’s newest volunteer is chocolate Labrador, Bonnie, who is brought in by owner Anita. It was Bonnie’s personality that sold her as a potential Pets as Therapy dog.
Anita explains: “She’ll lean on you and as soon as she knows there’s strokes, she’ll turn over and offer her belly then you’ve got a friend for life, even if you’ve only just met her!”
Anita’s husband John was cared for by St Catherine’s and during his time at the hospice, he benefited from visits by Adam and Jasmine the cat.
Anita said: “I felt comforted coming here when John was on the ward and felt I wanted to come back and do something. Bonnie seemed like a great option. She’s a great talking point!
“Lots of people say they don’t like dogs, but then they meet her and say she’s changed their mind. It’s great to help not just patients but families too. If she can put a smile on their faces that’s wonderful.”
Liz, Adam and Anita are all motivated by the impact their animals can have on those that they visit.
“I remember one little girl, around four or five years old, who was visiting her grandfather,” said Adam. “When she had a cuddle with Jasmine, she was ecstatic. It really lightened the mood and when Jasmine sat on her lap and took a treat, it was just one of those magical moments.”
It is often the small things that people remember about St Catherine’s care and visits from animals can become treasured memories for patients and their relatives. As Mitch, Jasmine and Bonnie demonstrate, a little unconditional love goes a long way.
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