Testimonials

When I think back to the scared dog he was when he came to live with me, he was terrified of the big world outside the front door. Now he has a lot more confidence and he adores our care visits. He recognises the residents and wags his tail so much when he sees each of them. On Saturday a resident’s family thanked me for my visit to their father, they said to see him interact with Charlie will always be a special memory for them. After the visit, I left there and had a few tears in my car and an extra BIG cuddle with Charlie!

Hazel Pritchard Volunteer Member

Daisy was assessed by Teresa at a nursing home in Eastbourne. We were both put at ease straight away and Teresa was very clear in explaining the way we should both conduct the visit. Daisy visits a day-care centre for mentally & physically impaired adults, twice a week, and does ‘Read to Dogs’ at an infant’s school, once a week. There is quite a demand for reading care dogs but I feel that this is enough work for her. Daisy and I also occasionally do ‘stress busting’ for the students at Sussex University, which is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours, chatting to the students and hearing about the pets at home which they miss! I’ve found the whole experience of care dogs very rewarding, and as there is always a demand for visits at various establishments, would encourage anyone with a suitable dog to take part in the scheme.

Kate Popple Volunteer Member

Elsie’s visit to Heathfield Ward brightens up the patients’ mood each time she visits. Patients who are too unwell to interact spontaneously with others will immediately reach out to stroke and cuddle Elsie and speak to her and she brings a smile to the patients’ faces every time they see her.

Rosalind Sussex Partnership Trust