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AN abandoned Yorkshire terrier who won the heart of TV dog lover Paul O’Grady has found a new leash of life helping sick kids.
When 14-year-old Felicity was taken to Battersea Dogs Home after being found wandering the streets last summer, she needed an operation for cancer.
But after featuring on Paul’s ITV show For The Love Of Dogs, she found a new home with caring Flo Sinclair – who quickly realised the patient pooch would be ideal to help kids face their fears in hospital.
Flo said: “The first time I took Felicity for a walk we saw a group of children coming out of school. She ran straight up to them. At that moment I knew she’d make a perfect therapy dog. She adores the fuss they make of her.”
Flo has visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital as a Pets As Therapy volunteer for five years.
DISTRESS
Among those helped by Felicity was little Caitlyn Dolan who had just had surgery to set a broken arm.
In distress as the anaesthetic wore off, Caitlyn started stroking Felicity – and was quickly relaxed and smiling.
And Henry Wilson, three – waiting for stitches to a gash on his head – overcame his fear of dogs as Felicity distracted him to ease his anxiety.
His mum Rebecca said: “It’s nice – waiting for surgery is nerve-racking.”
For other youngsters such as
Grace Evans, 13, who has cystic fibrosis, a visit from Felicity can help homesickness.
On his show from the London rescue centre, Paul sang Felicity Vera Lynn songs before serving her water in bone china.
Flo said of Felicity’s new role: “She loves visiting the hospital, she comes alive.”