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or 21 years Pets As Therapy have been very quietly making a huge impact across the community as their volunteers visit Hospitals, Hospices, Residential and Nursing homes, Day Care Centres, Special Need Schools, etc bringing their assessed and healthy dogs and cats care and special life-enhancing benefits to every one they visit. It is estimated that over 200,000 people benefit each week from this largest of its kind and long running community service. Pets As Therapy are the recipients of the BKR Haines Watts Award for "innovation in the non clinical areas in the NHS Trust", Pet World Trust’s Charity of the Year 2002 and a finalist in the Help the Aged NOJO awards 2003.

Blue shows his true colours at Westminster Pet Event

Therapy Dog Blue took a starring role when he and his handler Michelle Griffiths from Ilford attended a prestigious event at the House of Lords on March 3rd. Blue was representing the charity Pets as Therapy at the event which was designed to demonstrate the beneficial effect that animals have on human lives.

Organised by the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH), the event drew interest from a cross-section of MPs and Peers. “I am extremely pleased that this event has highlighted the work of devoted animal companions,” commented NOAH Chief Executive Phil Sketchley. “It has also underlined our communal responsibility to provide them with proper care and protection such as regular vaccination and good preventive healthcare.”

Blue was one of several dogs and a pony that attended the event to represent the many thousands of animals across the country that help their human owners by providing companionship and practical assistance. Blue who is a Golden Retriever was the first registered PAT puppy in the UK. He and Michelle work with clients living in the community with severe and enduring mental illness, helping them overcome their fears and lead fuller and more independent lives.

Last year, Michelle was Highly Commended by the National Institute for Mental Health in England at their first positive practice awards as an individual who has made a real difference to peoples lives with her work in mental health with her PAT dog. “Blue and I make a good team,” explains Michelle. “Together we can build a bond with people with mental health issues and help them improve their confidence and social skills.”

For further information please contact: Lena Hanen, Pets as Therapy Tel: 080702 401239 or Gail Lacey, Kendalls PR Tel: 01394 610022