Therapy dog brings joy to Durham Hospice
Residents of St Cuthbert’s Hospice in County Durham recently had reason to smile when they entertained a canine visitor. Therapy dog Loki, accompanied by his owner Angela, stopped by to spread some cheer and received a warm welcome.
Loki is a Samoyed, a dog breed known for its snowy white double thick coats and smiling countenance. A spitz-style domesticated dog, Samoyeds get their name from Siberia’s Samoyedic people and descended from the Nenets Herding Laika breed. Domesticated, they have historically served as animal herders, sled-pullers and protectors.
Angela and Loki have been dropping into the hospice on Tuesday afternoons throughout the year and often visit its Living Well Centre. The facility hosts a wide range activities which Loki likes to get involved in. Recently he earned up to his namesake, the Norse God of Mischief, when he began howling along with a talented entertainer performing for the group, which patients found hilarious.
The pair also spend time in the In-Patient Unit at the Hospice where Loki’s gentle nature creates a soothing sense of calm. Day Services Manager for St Cuthbert’s, David McLoughlin, commented on the benefits that therapy dogs bring to the hospice. He said that a guest had recently told him that her time with the visiting therapy dogs brought her a feeling of peace and reminded her of happy times she had spent with her own pets in the past.
Loki is part of a team of four therapy dogs visiting the Durham hospice regularly, delivering joy and comfort to people when they need it most.
A dog owner since the early 80s, after convincing his parents to buy a Yorkshire terrier named Sadie, Darren created Dream Dogs so dog owners could find the best dog related information on the Internet.
