Phiippa Cadge with Bilbo.

Recognises the exceptional work of therapy dogs

A cockerpoo that helps children with disabilities and border collie who visits residential homes are just two of the six finalists announced for a top award.

The HiLife PAT (Pets As Therapy) Dog of the Year Award recognises the exceptional work therapy dogs do to improve the lives of those in need of comfort.   

In line for this year’s award, which will be presented by TV presenter Victoria Stillwell, is four-year old Bilbo Baggins.

Owned by Philippa Cadge from Ashtead in Surrey, cockerpoo Bilbo has visited children with disabilities for many years. Parents speak of the ‘bond’ that Bilbo is able to create with their children and what a valuable asset he is in their care.

He is up against basset hound cross Droopy. Owned by Julie Norris from Morecambe in Lancashire, Droopy spends his days visiting three schools as part of Read2Dogs and is said to have an ‘amazing impact’.

Next up is three-year-old golden retriever Leo. Together with his owner, Lydnsey Uglow from Southampton, Leo visits children’s wards and intensive care services at Southampton Hospital, as well as two care homes.

One mother who lost her child said: “We cherish the memory of Leo with our daughter. We cannot put a price on the emotional up-lift a visit from Leo can bring.”

Another ‘Leo’ competing for the honour is a four-year-old Welsh springer spaniel. Owned by Den Bannister, Leo has been a regular visitor to Breadstone Care Home for the last four years, and also takes part in Read2Dogs sessions at a local primary school.

One teacher said of his incredible work: “Our children love their special time with him - many have difficulties and Leo has become there weekly highlight.”

The fifth competitor is border collie Molly from Wiltshire. No stranger to PAT dog work, Molly regularly visits a Cotswold Eating Disorder facility and two residential homes with her owner Debbie Thomas.  Staff at one home say of the dog that she “brings joy to those who meet her.”

The final nominee is Petra, a golden retriever owned by Alan Godchild from Avr in Scotland. Petra participates in the Read2Dogs scheme at a primary school, as well as visiting a nursing home.

One member of staff at the home says: “We couldn’t replace the visits with nothing that would even remotely equal the joy or therapy that Peta provides.”

The winner of the PAT dog of the year award will receive a prize of £500, while each of the runners will walk away with a cheque for £100.

Cheryl Tissot, CEO of Pets As Therapy, said: “We are exceptionally proud of the 5,000 plus volunteers who deliver such good work throughout their communities as part of Pets As Therapy, and being at Crufts to present this award is a great piece of recognition for our volunteers and their dogs.
 
“Every week, we’re visiting homes, hospitals, schools and hospices to bring extra cheer to the lives of others, so it’s only right that we should acknowledge that incredible therapeutic activity.”

The PAT dog of the year award we be officially presented at Crufts, the renowned four-day canine event, which takes place at Birmingham NEC from 10 to 13 March.

Image (C) Pets as Therapy