plained - My Pet as Therapy

from EX33 - June 2022

plained - Guide Dogs appeal

‘My Pet As Therapy’ Share your pet photos and support North Devon Hospice

We all feel lonely at times, it’s a natural human emotion. But what if you were facing the end of your life alone? While many shy away from thinking about what our final days, weeks or months may be like, North Devon Hospice believe that every person is a story, and the ending matters. People at the end of their lives should have access to a pet if that is their wish – and that is where Gozo the little white puppy, comes in. North Devon Hospice and national charity Pets As Therapy are asking for pictures of your pets to highlight the huge positive effect our pets can have on our mental health. Gozo is the furry and four-legged face of the ‘My Pet As Therapy’ campaign, along with his owner Paul Jewels, a dedicated volunteer for both the hospice and Pets As Therapy. When Paul suffered a stroke, his family convinced him to get a puppy as they hoped it would be therapeutic. Four years on, Paul and Gozo are inseparable and Paul shares Gozo’s calming and fun presence with everyone they meet. “His job in life is to make people smile,” said Paul. “Before the pandemic, Gozo visited North Devon Hospice every week to spread some joy among patients and families on the bedded unit. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, he hasn’t been able to visit since 2020 but we have been volunteering for Pets As Therapy at local vaccination centres across North Devon.” In 2021, Gozo and North Devon Hospice received the highest accolade a voluntary organisation can get, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, making him the only therapy pet ever to receive the honour. And he has also proved popular with patients, with one saying: “He’s just beautiful, and a very good boy. I’ve had large dogs all my life, but he’s just the right size to come in and sit on people’s laps. He’s as good as gold, and he brings a lot of joy.” In a digital campaign launched alongside the start of Mental Health Awareness week (9 May) and running across June and July, North Devon Hospice have joined with national cause Pets As Therapy to raise vital funds for both charities by celebrating the positive effect pets have on our mental health and wellbeing.

To get involved with the campaign, share a picture of you and your pet and a message about why they are so important to your mental health and wellbeing, along with a donation. Every photo shared will be entered into a competition to win a host of pet-friendly prizes including a pet friendly holiday at the fabulous lodges at Stonerush Lakes, Looe, Cornwall. To share your pet photo, visit: https://mypetastherapy.celebrationpage.org/Please mention EX33 when responding to adverts

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