8 July 2025
BBC Make a Difference Awards
Congratulations to the 11 PAT Teams who are finalists in the Animal category.
Jabba is thrilled to be back at school
PAT Dog Jabba and his owner Kerry Weaver-Martin are very pleased to be visiting again, and are back at Cornist Park School and St Mary's Catholic Primary, both in Flintshire, Wales.
Kerry tells us that 11-year-old Jabba is an empathic dog and seems to know what each child needs, whether that's a cuddle or simply for him to listen to them read.
"We visit as part of the Read2Dogs scheme and some of the children enjoy sitting next to Jabba reading, while others like to make more of a fuss and ask questions about him. We visit children who simply need a confidence boost too. They love that he listens intently to every story."
The incredible PAT Team have also worked with a young lady with a dog phobia. "At the end of the five-week session she could comfortably and confidently stroke Jabba. Our Pets As Therapy visits are tremendously rewarding – in ways I didn't anticipate."
