Dogs Pic - Bridget Fenwick and Lily

Discover how these rescue dogs transformed into therapy dogs

Lunar and Lily are rescue dogs whose lives were turned around and now bring pleasure at East Cheshire Hospice.

Lily with Bridget Fenwick.

Golden retriever Lily is owned by Bridget Fenwick who has a long-standing connection with the charity where a close friend spent her final days.

Lily and Lunar provide much-needed therapy for animal lovers at the Hospice.

Lily even has her own place under the reception desk while Bridget carries out her role as a voluntary receptionist.

Bridget said: “Lily is a great hit with staff. They ignore me and say hello to Lily and stroke her.

“Nurses may even take her on the ward during quieter periods.

“She was a rescue dog originally and so placid and calm I thought she’d make an ideal therapy dog so I had her assessed.

“The Hospice is special to me and will always be close to my heart.”

Lunar and owner Dawn Barstow.

Lunar, a four-year-old white husky, is another therapy dog at the Hospice.

Owner Dawn Barstow said: “She was called Lunar when she was rescued from Manchester Dogs Home and we couldn’t think of a better name that suited her.

“She’s a wonderful dog and so striking. Lunar likes the attention when people stop to stroke her on walks.

“We thought it’d be nice for her to bring a little bit of joy to the lives of people who may be going through a hard time.”

Dawn is increasing her involvement with the charity by joining its staff as a clinical co-ordinator with the Hospice @Home team.

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