PAT Dog of the Year 2020

Which of these six wonderful pooches will get your vote as Orvis PAT Dog of the Year 2020?

Week in week out, hundreds of Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs and their owners do something truly amazing – bringing comfort, joy and companionship to the people who need it most in places such as hospitals, schools, care homes and prisons. Every year, we ask you to help crown the pooch that best deserves the title of Orvis PAT Dog of the Year. Here are this year’s six finalists, whittled down from a huge number of applications. The winner will be announced at the Orvis Regent Street store in London on June 12. For details of how to vote, either by post or online, see the form on the far right. One lucky voter will also win a £100 gift voucher redeemable against any Orvis products.

■ To find out more about Pets As Therapy, call 01865 671440 or visit www.petsastherapy.org

■ For more about Orvis, the active dog specialist and outdoor retailer, visit www.orvis.co.uk

GUNNER

Gunner was nominated by a primary school and children’s care home. One dyslexic pupil at the school said: “Gunner is my hero because he helps people. I feel happy and confident reading to him, he doesn’t judge me and my confidence is growing.” Staff at the Children’s Home, meanwhile, said: “Gunner brings fun and happiness to us all and the children have built a lovely trusting relationship with him.”

SCOUT

Scout has worked in schools for nearly four years, including a school where he supports reluctant readers, including students with behavioural problems and those with little or no English. One teacher said Scout’s help had been “transformational” to the pupils’ reading which has in turn led to other achievements in school. “Scout has helped develop a love of books in the students which they will take forward throughout their lives.”

MISTY

Misty was nominated by a high-security prison she has been visiting for three years. The prison officer said: “Many individuals have complex issues but Misty calms them, reduces anxiety and gives them some normality.” One of the prisoners said: “For the first time in four years I have stopped self-harming and I have gained more love in two years from Misty than any human has given me in 47 years.”

LOTTIE

Lottie, who was rescued from life as a street dog in Romania, has been nominated by a hospital and day hospice. A senior sister at the hospital she visits said: “When Lottie recently visited two particularly ill patients, we saw them smile for the first time.” Meanwhile, at the hospice where many guests have limited communication, they love Lottie so much their eyes light up when they hear her name.

NORMAN

Norman joined Pets as Therapy after his owner’s daughter received PAT Dog visits at her hospital bedside. Norman was nominated by a mental health unit, a hospital and a school where his visits are, “the highlight of the day”. Hospital staff said when Norman visits, “the mood of the ward becomes so calm and peaceful,” while a student at the school he visits said: “Norman always makes me feel happy.”

MINTY

Minty was nominated by nine establishments including a nursing home, two hospitals, a dementia care home, a university, primary school and nursery. One of the nominees said: “Minty helped a young boy overcome his dog phobia with his friendly manner.” Meanwhile staff at one of the hospitals said: “Minty lifts the energy of the entire paediatric ward when he visits children, many of whom have been in hospital a long time.”