Poppy the therapy dog visits EPUT

Animal-loving patients at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) enjoyed meeting springer spaniel and Labrador cross Poppy during a pet therapy session.

Poppy, a therapy dog, visited the Trust’s Older People Assessment Inpatient Service on Tower Ward in Clacton-on-Sea last weekend to engage with patients.

It was Poppy’s first visit to EPUT and she spent 40 minutes playing with patients who also took turns to stroke, walk and give her treats.

Poppy’s visit with her owner Angie was the first pet therapy session patients have had since the pandemic. Previously, a Trust volunteer with a trained therapy dog visited Tower Ward regularly.

Annette Knot, Ward Manager, said: “We were really lucky before the pandemic to have had weekly pet therapy sessions. When restrictions eased we wanted to start the sessions up again – they’re great for patients and they really enjoy the sessions.

“Poppy was such a hit! She was really affectionate with patients and staff and everyone loved having her here. All of the patients engaged with Poppy in their own way and you could physically see the enjoyment on their faces.

“After Poppy’s visit, the patients talked about their own pets in a reminiscence therapy session. It is just a really nice experience loved by all.”

Poppy’s owner Angie put her forward to be a therapy dog when she saw how much her Nan, who was living in a dementia care home, enjoyed spending time with therapy animals. Angie will continue to visit Tower Ward with Poppy every other week.