A friendship never to be forgotten

Pets As Therapy was touched to hear Rob Delaney, the American comedian, actor and writer, speak about his son’s wonderful experience of meeting a PAT Dog. Rob has been promoting his new book, A Heart That Works, in which he talks about Henry who was only a year old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Henry died aged two.

Clare Davis, CEO of Pets As Therapy, says: “We are delighted that PAT Dog Lola was able to bring some joy to young Henry while at Great Ormond Street Hospital [GOSH] and thank Rob for sharing his personal story. We also wish to thank all our PAT Teams at GOSH who bring such comfort to families.”

The dog Rob mentions is a nine-year-old Shih Tzu cross belonging to PAT Volunteer Andy Price, who started visiting GOSH in 2018. “Nothing is more rewarding that the smiles Lola brings around the hospital,” says Andy. “She is incredibly placid and has the unique ability to enjoy being held like a baby for cuddles and strokes.”

Lola’s weekly visits bring the best smiles and joy to sick children in the wards and outpatients. including intensive care and the cancer wards. “Whether it’s encouraging a child to get out of bed for a walk around the ward, or overcoming the nerves of going for a MRI scan, or overcoming the anxiety of having a blood test, holding Lola’s paw always seems to help.

“Lola is there for everyone. She’ll also play with a sibling in the corridor so that a mum and dad can have a final moment with a child in ICU. She even had a seat reserved with the family at their son’s funeral after he sadly passed from cancer, aged just three. Lola had become such an important part of his life at GOSH.

“As a volunteer, nothing can be more rewarding than providing those rays of sunshine and lifelong memories for the families and children and above all the beaming smiles makes it all worthwhile!”

Link to the short interview with Martha Kearney on BBC Radio 4's Today programme HERE

We are always looking to recruit more volunteers.

You can find more info here