PAT Stories

Rachel Williamson & Mona

Volunteering for Pets As Therapy is incredibly rewarding and sharing Mona’s care and affection with others is something that can’t be quantified. I think it is great.” 

Staffordshire Bull terriers often get bad press, but Rachel Williamson from Rothwell says her dog Mona has a wonderful nature. “They are a truly affectionate breed and Mona loves nothing more than being a PAT Dog. She loves to hear a story read to her by the children she visits at St Thomas More primary school.”

The PAT Team visit each week and spend time with students who have requested a session with Mona, or who have been recognised as someone who would benefit hugely from interacting with a PAT Dog.

“Some children like to read to Mona or have a walk with her around the school grounds,” Rachel smiles. “Others want to talk or simply play. It’s always up to the child involved and how they feel on the day.”

A calm, caring and lovable four-legged friend
Rachel noticed Mona’s calm and caring nature very early on, and realised she owned a very special dog. “Seeing how she interacted with children from within our family, with our friends and with complete strangers who she met while on walks – this gave us the idea of sharing the care she clearly demonstrated. Mona demonstrates empathy with each child that she meets and being calm and comfortable in her nature contributes to them also being put at ease too.”

Each term Mona gets to meet a new group of children and it’s the chance for Rachel to answer many questions and educate on all things Mona and PAT too. “It’s great to be able to chat with the children, something I really enjoy, and share Mona’s story. The school children are all genuinely interested in her and what we do for Pets As Therapy too.”

Everyone's best friend
Everyone at the school is certainly smitten. “When Mona arrives she is treated like a famous star. Everyone is so pleased to see her and wants to give her their affection, including the teachers. She has even supported children who were previously anxious about being around a dog. They now feel very differently and enjoying seeing Mona.

“She clearly enjoys the attention she receives and absolutely loves it when she is given a treat or two from the children that she meets.”

Mona is a very active dog and in her spare time she adores going on long walks, and even climbing mountains with Rachel. However, volunteering is also their passion. “Volunteering for Pets As Therapy is incredibly rewarding and sharing Mona’s care and affection with others is something that can’t be quantified. I think it is great.” 

 

We are always looking to recruit more volunteers.

You can find more info here

Subscribe to PAT Chat, our quarterly newsletter 

Follow us on social media:

Back to Listing

Other recent stories

17 September 2024

Diana Smith & Ollie

Residents at a Glasgow care home have fallen in love with a friendly Golden Retriever, a recently recruited PAT Dog.

31 July 2024

Sharman Quinn & Brodie

PAT Dog Brodie is a much-loved visitor at Rathmore Primary School in Bangor, where he helps young pupils to read.

25 June 2024

Jo Kaddish & Meg

A little cockerpoo is a big hit with patients and staff at a hospital in West Sussex, and she has lots of fans at a nearby hospice too.

8 May 2024

Tim Robinson & Betsy

Residents at a South East London care home have fallen in love with a gentle cocker spaniel, who visits with her owner Tim.

16 April 2024

Gerry Ochojna & Reika

PAT Dog Reika has young fans at three schools in the Scottish Highlands and is helping them to forget their worries.

12 March 2024

Isabel Serafim & Mr London

Isabel's PAT Cat loves meeting patients and health professionals at a London hospital.

28 February 2024

Johanne Picken & Ness

PAT Dog Ness, a retired racing greyhound, works her animal magic on residents at a care home in Johnstone, Renfrewshire.

5 December 2023

Chris Roberts & Jimmy

Jimmy the greyhound is not the only PAT Dog at HMP YOI Parc – Gus and Doug spend time with prisoners too.

7 November 2023

Josie Hughes & Benjen

PAT Cat Benjen, a Maine Coon, is a big hit with the young people he meets at two CAMHS units in Northampton

25 October 2023

Sue Beeson & Boo

Pupils at a Kidderminster primary school love their visits from Boo — and Sue says volunteering helps her deal with dementia too.

6 September 2023

Roger Hammett & Kimmy

Roger and Kimmy visit University Hospital Southampton and also two secure mental health units for adult offenders.

9 August 2023

Maggie Fogarty & Bonnie

Maggie and nine-year-old Bonnie visit a care home in a scenic spot in Cornwall – and everyone loves the special Cockapoo.

18 July 2023

Rachel Williamson & Mona

A PAT Volunteer from Rothwell and her affectionate Staffordshire Bull terrier are regular visitors to a local primary school.

7 June 2023

Hannah Colbourn & Olive & Benji

A PAT Volunteer, who has owned four PAT Dogs, Hannah shares her story and pays tribute to Todd.

2 May 2023

Nick Belson & Ghillie

Nick and his dog Ghillie spread cheer among care home residents, who treasure their regular visits.

4 April 2023

Martin Rodker & Winnie

Martin and Winnie visit a residential care home near Luton, where one lady has written a poem about the special PAT Dog.

29 March 2023

Libby Bowles & Pip

Libby and her PAT Dog Pip enjoy making friends at school – when Pip isn't off having adventures and appearing on TV!

8 March 2023

Julia Saunders & Chilli, Bean & Ronnie

Julia takes one dog to a school, the other to a care home, and a third has passed its assessment.

21 February 2023

Keith Poultney & Bella

Keith and his black Labrador Bella are bringing joy to Ukrainian families who are currently living in the UK.

8 February 2023

Andy Price & Lola

Andy and his PAT Dog Lola are regular visitors to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, cheering up patients on the wards.

29 January 2023

Rachael Sones & Arlo

Rachael is an Assistant Voluntary Area Co-ordinator. Along with her dog Arlo, they make weekly visits to a school in Hampshire.