Queen Elizabeth Park celebrates two years of Pet Therapy

17th February 2012

Carebase is recognising the success of over two years of Pet Therapy at its Queen Elizabeth Park care home. Every Monday Pam Hemelryk brings along her greyhound, George, to the Queen Elizabeth Park care home to spend some time with the residents.

Pam and George started coming to the care home in 2009, following George passing his Pets as Therapy (PAT) test. Pam rescued George, who was a former Greyhound  racing dog in Ireland, when he was transferred to the Celia Cross Greyhound rescue centre in Guildford. Pam says: “He is the most caring dog and I fell in love immediately. I don't know much about George's career as a race dog, but we suspect he had an injury early on. After 12 months at a rescue centre in Ireland George was transferred to Surrey to find a permanent home.”

George is perfect for Pam who has recently retired after 40 years in teaching. Pam had said that once retired she wanted to do volunteer work with elderly adults and animals. When a friend suggested that George would make a great PAT dog, Pam was thrilled that she could combine both her passions with voluntary work. 

PAT dogs provide therapy to hospitals, hospices, special needs  schools and care homes. Pam signed George up and after 9 months George took  part in a test to see if he was suitable to become a PAT dog. George passed the test and Pets as Therapy put Pam in touch with Queen Elizabeth Park care home as it was looking for a PAT dog for its residents. 

Since starting to visit the Queen Elizabeth Park care home Pam has seen some great results. Lots of  the residents look forward to seeing George on his weekly visit. As he is quite tall he is perfect to visit those residents who have mobility issues and are in wheelchairs or in their beds. George is incredibly relaxed and loves spending time with the residents every Monday.

Pam also helps to build up the residents’ confidence with George. The residents give treats to George, which helps build trust and friendship. The residents and staff  adore George and when he was unable to visit recently due to illness they made him a get well card and sent some treats, demonstrating how much they care for  him. One of the residents’ families has even left George treats as they appreciate how much their loved one benefits from his visits. 

Pam says: “It’s very hard  to put into words how much the residents benefit from George coming to see them. The look of glee on their faces when they see George is remarkable. In the past he has even turned residents who don’t like dogs into dog lovers! I think its incredible that after being a rescue dog in kennels that George now brings such satisfaction and joy to the residents."