Say hello to one of our Pets as Therapy Dog, Daisy and her owner and volunteering companion, Robert Markless. A PAT Volunteer truly makes a difference to the health and wellbeing of patients and staff. Our aim is to ensure that all staff and patients have access to registered dogs, as everyone deserves the companionship of a friendly pet, as their love and affection is pure and guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's faces.
Let's take a moment to get to know Daisy:
Q: How long have you been volunteering for and when did you join CHFT?
A: Daisy started volunteering in 2017 with Pets As Therapy and we joined CHFT in 2019. We were stood down during Covid-19 but was fortunate to come back in 2022.
Q: What made you want to volunteer?
A: Daisy is originally from Romania and really enjoys being social and receiving lots of attention, it's also really nice to see the smiles she bring to patients and staff's faces.
Q: What do you get out of volunteering?
A: LOTS of smiles. Daisy receiving lots of cuddles and I receive the smiles. It's the smiles from the patients and staff that also make me smile.
Q: Why do you think the role of Pets As Therapy volunteer is important and what's the benefit to our patients and staff?
A: There are lots of benefits. a lot of patients are missing their own pets when they're in hospital and it bring them lots of joy to see another animal. Staff like to have a break, whether that's 5 seconds away from their tasks for a stroke, which makes them feel better, uplifting moral. The feedback I get makes it really worth it.
Q: Would you recommend volunteering at CHFT?
A: Oh yes, definitely.
Q: Tell me a memory that has stuck with you.
A: This came from the son of a patient, who explained that when he saw Daisy, it put a smile on his face for the first time in several days. It's not just the patients who suffer but friends and family as well, so to support them also, really makes what we do worth it.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Lots of walks, and Daisy likes lots of treats.
Volunteering Services Lead, Stevie Cheesman, said: "Robert and Daisy continuously go above and beyond supporting patients across various areas with CHFT. They've supported countless patient and staff visits. They recently supported the launch of the Children and young People Strategy (CYP), which PAT Dogs have been included within, based upon the CYP voice and what they wanted.
“Therapy dogs are specially trained dogs that offer affection, comfort, and love to individuals. In a world where mental health awareness is gaining more importance, therapy dogs are emerging as unsung heroes, supporting those in need. These extraordinary animals and their ability to touch lives and impact on health, wellbeing and recovery is remarkable”.
