Spartacus puts his paws up after decade of service

A therapy dog is preparing to finally put his paws up after nearly a decade of comforting hospital patients.

Spartacus the golden retriever has been a much-loved part of the Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust team since he was three years old.

"He's just done such great work and he's brought so much joy," said his owner Eileen Slattery.

Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a charity supported by about 2,250 volunteers and their temperamentally suitable dogs.

Eileen added: "He has trouble getting up because he's 13 and a half, so I don't want him to injure himself on the wards trying to please people, because he does."

April will mark the 10th anniversary of Therapy Dogs Nationwide, which was founded in Birkenhead by Slattery, Eileen Hodges and Mary Oliver OBE.

"When you're in an environment like the hospital, you're worried," said Eileen.

"You're thinking about your treatments. Things are out of your control really. So when you see something so familiar as a dog, it just brightens your day."

Spartacus will be succeeded by Westipoo Bailey, who has previously comforted children in schools.

"Her mum was a Westie and her Dad was a toy poodle," said her owner Angela Pridgeon.

"From day one since we've had her, she's gentle and quiet. She doesn't 'woof' at anyone who comes to the house."

Angela, who also volunteers with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, added: "It's nice to see the patients thrilled to see a little dog.

"I always think all dogs are therapy dogs for your family, because they make your home a home."

Therapy Dogs Nationwide, which is now recruiting volunteers, provides comfort and wellbeing support in healthcare settings, schools and communities across the UK.

The idea to bring therapy dogs to Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust came from Laura McCourt, who is now the trust's canine co-ordinator.

"It just helps people so much," she said. "It's a vital lifeline for staff and patients.

"Even just a gentle stroke of a dog can change a person's mood for the better."

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