Heartbeat: Patients ‘paws’ to spend time with therapy dog Otis

March 19, 2019

It’s not just our clinical colleagues who make patients feel better. Occasionally four-legged furry friends can make a difference too.

The charity Pets as Therapy specialises in enhancing health and wellbeing in the community through animals and their owners visiting hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues all across the UK.

Otis, a six year old English Setter owned by Sharon Siddall comes into Sandwell Hospital once a week where he spends time on the children’s and stroke wards, allowing patients to pet and tickle him and even do high-fives.

She said: “Otis is exceptionally laid back which is why I thought he would make a good therapy dog. He is very good with children and people and a calming presence for them.”

To find out more about Pets as Therapy visit petsastherapy.org