Now Fudge is ‘real sweetie’ on the wards
There is a new member of staff at the Royal United Hospital – and she is gunning to be top dog. Fudge, a cocker spaniel, has joined the team in Bath as part of the Pets As Therapy (PAT) scheme. Her handler Carole Light said: “Like her name she’s a real sweetie – such a good little dog, really gentle and well-behaved, so I knew she’d make a perfect therapy dog. “She lives in a family with seven children so nothing fazes her. “She’s been assessed to make sure the hospital environment would be appropriate for her, and her entire health history from her vets was also checked. “Once the Pets as Therapy team approved her, I bought her a little yellow scarf to wear to show she’s official. “We’ve visited a few wards together and Fudge is already proving popular with staff and patients. “One patient was really emotional when she gave her a bit of fuss as she missed her own dog at home so much, but seeing Fudge made her day. “I’m looking forward to visiting more wards over the coming months, and I’m sure Fudge is too.” The PAT scheme is a national charity which aims to enhance lives by providing companionship through animals. All breeds of dog can become part of it. To do so they must have been with their owner for at least six months, be over nine months of age and be able to pass the temperament assessment. All pets must also be fully vaccinated. Pets As Therapy was founded in 1983. There are around 4,500 active visiting dogs and 108 cats at work in the UK. They visit all kinds of organisations across the UK from schools to homes for older people.