A RESCUE dog is transforming lives in Barnard Castle by offering therapy to those in care homes or living with dementia.
Miniature poodle Alfie has become a huge hit since he started visiting residents of Manor House care home, in the town. The opportunity came about through charity volunteer Jacquie Warner, who has been helping out at the weekly Making Memories dementia group based at
TCR Hub for the past five months.
Ms Warner said: “Some of the residents of the Manor House attend [Making Memories] with a carer who invited me to go along to the care home with my dog as I was told that several there are dog lovers.”
The volunteer approached Therapy Dogs Nationwide and had her rescue dog Alfie temperament-tested to determine if he was suitable as a therapy dog.
The pooches also have to have the highest standard of health and cleanliness before they qualify for the role.
Ms Warner said: “Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a registered charity managed entirely by volunteers and therapy dogs have been
found to have all-round benefits for people in a variety of establishments, including
hospitals, hospices, mainstream schools, special
needs schools, prisons and universities. The list is endless.”
Five-and-a-half-year-old Alfie has been with Ms Warner for about a year and was a rescue from the Scottish Borders. Dog owners who are interested in joining the charity as a volunteer and want to have their animals tested can visit tdn.org.uk.
