Diana Smith & Ollie
“There’s one lady we visit who can’t speak due to a stroke, but her face lights up when Ollie comes into the room.”
Diana Smith joined Pets As Therapy earlier this year, and volunteers along with her five-year-old Golden Retriever Ollie. Together they visit a care home in the east of Glasgow.
“Ollie is very gentle and patient,” Diana smiles. “He’s also the perfect height to be petted by someone in a wheelchair, and many of the residents in the care home use a wheelchair. When Ollie passed his Pets As Therapy temperament assessment in July, I asked a local home if they’d be interested in having visits from a friendly PAT Dog. They were delighted that I had got in touch and readily accepted the offer.
“Recently Ollie was invited into the three communal living rooms to meet all the residents — the care home accommodates 54 people. Then on our second visit, he joined in with the recreational art class. When we next go along, Ollie will be spending time with the gardening club and afterwards we’re planning a well-deserved break in the on-site coffee shop.”
No words needed
Diana says she decided to get involved with Pets As Therapy because her 96-year-old mother had been in a rehabilitation centre. “My mum had a stay there after her hip was replaced and a dog visited every week.”
Now Diana shares the love of her pet with other elderly animal lovers. “Volunteering is so rewarding and I enjoy hearing people’s life stories,” she explains. “Ollie is the perfect ice breaker to start conversations.”
However sometimes no words are needed. “There’s one lady we visit who can’t speak due to a stroke, but her face lights up when Ollie comes into the room. She doesn’t need to say anything though, as you can see clearly that she’s enjoying his visit.”
Making an impact
Ollie certainly seems to be enjoying his role as a PAT Dog and is a big hit with everyone he meets. “Ollie makes people feel relaxed and they enjoy chatting to me too. Our visits make the residents feel better and we always leave with a sense of satisfaction that we’ve made a difference.”
We are always looking to recruit more volunteers.
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