As a rare registered Pets As Therapy dog in the area, Bailey the cavalier King Charles spaniel has been rushed off his paws spreading the love in Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
Now his owners and ABMU staff are on a mission to find more pets to join him by organising a dog fun day and recruitment event in Neaththis weekend.
Bailey and Brent with Alison Buller (left) and Naomi Robbins.
Bailey begun visiting the hospital’s B2 Ward back in February after a conversation between ABMU staff Alison Buller and Naomi Robbins who had heard about the benefits of pet therapy.
They certainly heard right, and his popularity is forever growing,with Bailey having since ventured out to other wards in the hospital.
Alison Buller is a speech and language therapist at the hospital.She said:“The patients absolutely love seeing Bailey, and all of the wards have been asking for their patients to spend more time with him.”
Alison and Speech and Language therapist apprentice Nia Isaac, along with Bailey’s owners Brent and Linda Oatway, have organised a dog afternoon, which takes place on Saturday 15th September at YsgolHendrefelin in Neath.
They hope it will encourage more people to assess and register their pets, widening the pool so that even more people can enjoy some animal therapy.
The day will include plenty of fun things to do, including dog-themed activities, a dog show and prizes.
There will also be stalls to purchase homemade goodies for pets such as bandanas, personalised dog bowls and healthy dog treats.
Entry is from 12pm until 4pm with 50p entry, which includes a free raffle ticket. Every donation given and every penny spent will help a person to receive the amazing support which Pets As Therapy provide.
The hospital sessions have helped lift the mood of patients, stimulated their conversation and increased their motivation by allowing them to have regular quality time with their four-legged loveable friend.
Alison said:“It’s fantastic to see the patients smiling as soon as he walks in. He truly makes a difference to people’s day.
“Days staying at hospital can seem very long for patients, and Bailey helps that.
“It would be amazing if we were able to have more Pets At Therapy registered animals in the area, so that the patients could benefit even more.”
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