PAT Team Work

Anne Clilverd started volunteering for Pets As Therapy in 2010, when she was about to retire from a career as a mental health nurse and narrative therapist.

“I had already seen the impact my two dogs had on people I worked with,” she says.

“A client told me what he loved most about the dogs was that they had no idea he’d a mental illness, and accepted him for who he was.”

Cesc, a 10-year-old whippet, is Anne’s PAT Dog today.

“He’s worked alongside my local CAMHS service with children who have a phobia about dogs, and he now visits a primary school as part of the Read2Dogs scheme.

 

Anne with Cesc.

 

“As a whippet, Cesc is ideal for a nervous child. The breed is quiet and calm, and, like greyhounds, they have a very soft and warm coat.”

Being Chair of the Board, Anne is keen that every community has a PAT Team.

“Our companion animals can bring such joy and comfort to people who are having a tough time,” she says.

“Understanding that power is what drives my passion. I want to support all our volunteers, and recruit many more to continue this invaluable work.”

Catch up with other articles from our Pets As Therapy series here.

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