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Round of ap-paws for Henry!

2023-01-13T09:05:51+00:00Friday 13 January 2023|

A new dog-tor has been visiting Walsall patients prescribing some well needed paws-itivity.

Henry, a therapy dog, surprised patients and staff by coming over to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Stroke Rehabilitation Unit based at Hollybank House in Willenhall.

The three-year-old Cavachon was rehomed in October 2021 by owner Charlotte Wheeldon after his family didn’t want him anymore.

He is registered and certificated with the national body Pets As Therapy (PAT).

Matthew Craven, Associate Director for Allied Health Professionals in the Community Division, arranged for Henry to come down to the unit and he made everyone’s day.

Henry came to cheer up the patients and break up their normal routine. He enjoyed endless cuddles and sat with them while they talked about themselves and why they were on the unit.

Staff Nurse Leanne Bentley said: “Henry was so friendly and enjoyed the attention of all the patients. They were delighted to have him around them, fussing him and having him on their laps.

“He was so well behaved and calm. Henry made all the patients smile. I feel he had a positive effect on their moods.

“Henry brought great joy to staff as well as they loved having him and seeing the effect he had on the patients. They are looking forward to seeing him every week!”

Denise Aston, whose mum June Beardshaw has been at Hollybank House for a month, said: “Henry makes the patients smile. He’s really affectionate, nice natured and cheers everyone up. We always look forward to seeing Henry and his visits are a bright spot in our week”.

PAT is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. It strives to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to the companionship of an animal.

Volunteers and their temperament-assessed pets visit establishments such as care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and prisons, and bring smiles to many faces. People of all ages get the chance to chat to someone and stroke and cuddle a friendly dog or cat.

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