Going walkies means something a little bit different for Belle, the new city-based NHS Therapy Dog.
Rather than a patrol of the local park, Belle stretches her legs at Milton Keynes University Hospital, spreading joy around the ICU and stroke wards, writes Total MK's Sammy Jones.
“The staff and patients all absolutely love her,” says proud owner Amee Tompkins, “Their faces light up when they see her - they call her over, give her a kiss and a cuddle and often chat about their own pets. Belle practises deep pressure therapy so she will lean in and give the best cuddle...”
Amee's friend suggested Belle for the role, when she saw a position advertised through the hospital website.
“... we applied and they loved her,” Amee told us, “We went through the interviews, they met Belle, and after lots of paperwork and training we started visiting patients about a year ago.”
Having Belle by her side benefits Amee too, who is autistic and struggles with anxiety and communication: “Taking Belle to visit the staff and patients in the hospital is helping me tackle this head on,” she said, “We have to speak to new people and behave in a professional manner as we are representing the hospital.
“I know just how much seeing a dog and having a cuddle can help brighten up your day.
“My heart is always very full when I see her cuddling up to a patient, leaning in or resting her head on them. She always knows who needs her the most!”
Belle's hospital visits – which are accompanied by a strict health and safety policy – raise moods, provide tactile interactions, and quite simply spread joy.
“I have been told by staff Belle has helped some of the patients and families in moments when they really need it...she makes everyone smile.
“The reception staff stop her and give her a treat on our way in, and patients, visitors and staff all stop us on our way to the wards. A little pet and a cuddle really makes a difference to someone who is having a bad day and needs some love.
“The staff we work with at the hospital are all so supportive. They always remind me how loved and appreciated Belle and I are.”
With some necessary support from Amee, Belle is always bang on trend, too: “She has visited patients in bunny ears at Easter, dressed as a pumpkin at Halloween and in a Santa suit at Christmas. Just a little extra to make patients smile.”
Belle is a staffie, a breed which, unfairly, still struggles with a poor reputation, but you'll find no negativity from those who meet her during her valuable rounds. This clever canine is also trained to notice psychiatric and medical alerts.
“She was from a small litter with good parents, and they both had lovely temperaments. The breeder chose me over all the others who applied for her and I am so happy she did. We have been inseparable for four years now.”
The duo's valuable work doesn't start and stop at MKCH though – Belle has done other therapy work, and is currently enjoying her role as a 'reading' dog in a primary school, which she has been doing for the past three years.
“The children come and visit her and can fuss with her, lay with her, read to her...or they chat to her!
“She is also a 'cuddle club hero' and works in London doing therapy and mental wellness sessions for corporate/private events and in workplaces for staff.”
Having Belle in her life is a constant source of support for her owner too, as her four legged friend is Amee's personal assistance pooch.
Given their ability at making a difference, it's not surprising to learn that the perfectly matched pair recently won an award for the most inspirational volunteers in the new city.
A recent episode of Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis meant that Belle was the one needing cuddles and support, and she transferred to the care of an emergency vet.
Happily, this joy inducing fur baby is now almost back to her best self.
MKUH Chief Nursing Officer, Fiona Hoskins, said: "At Milton Keynes University Hospital, therapy dogs really help to support the work of our clinical colleagues by providing healing, soothing companionship that can ease anxiety and lift spirits at the hardest of times. These furry friends, and their generous owners, are an extension of our team and we feel very lucky to be able to offer their services to patients in need."
Belle is a force for good, but what about that negative reputation that still follows staffies around?
“Belle is a beautiful dog with a lovely temperament,” Amee says, “She has been well socialised, well trained and she is not only an amazing therapy dog but a family pet too. She is friendly with everything and everyone. She is very well behaved and the assessments she has been through to be able to work proves this.
“Although the breed has a bad reputation, it doesn’t mean every single dog will be the same.
“I will continue to do all I can to change the perception of the breed and show the ability these dogs can have.”
