PET Therapy is proving to be such a hit with patients at the Royal United Hospital in Bath that they are looking for more dogs to join the team who visit patients on the wards, where they are especially popular with older people.

Every week, three specially trained Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs and their volunteer handlers visit patients at the RUH.

Sharon Manhi, lead for Patient and Carer Experience at the RUH said: “We’ve had such positive feedback from patients and their families about the PAT dogs visits and how they’ve been a real joy and comfort, cheering up their relatives and making them smile.

"We mostly focus on the PAT dogs visiting patients on our older people’s wards as some patients have pets at home and miss them, and for others it makes their day, they simply enjoy seeing and stroking the friendly dogs.

“When Muddy Puddles made a visit recently, a nurse said to me it was the first time she had seen one of their patients’ smile and open up to talk. It’s hard to describe what exactly these dogs bring, but it’s such a joy to see.

“Our staff love seeing the dogs too. For some, it’s a chance for them to stop to say hello to the dog and owner and is a great stress reliever.”

The RUH regularly welcomes Fudge, a golden Labrador, Milo, a sproodle (a cross between a Springer spaniel and a poodle) and Muddy Puddles, an Australian Service dog. The dogs are assessed through the national charity Pets As Therapy which invites owners who can spare some free time to join their PAT team to become a visiting volunteer.

Dog volunteer Martin Fricker, owner of Fudge said: “All the staff and patients give us such a warm welcome and big smiles when we arrive. It’s a real pleasure to visit patients with Fudge and I love the variety of conversations we have. Fudge loves meeting people and he’s so gentle. I always look forward to our visits and would recommend Pets As Therapy to anyone who has a dog and is interested in volunteering. It’s so rewarding.”

If you think your dog would make a perfect PAT dog and have time to volunteer, visit www.petsastherapy.org