due to poor health or a lack
of mobility or coni dence,
she added. They felt lonely
and isolated, while some had
lost their life partner and dog
within a short space of time.
“They may be sad and
grieving, but we can give them
something to look forward to
— a cuppa, a chat, and a cuddle
with a lovely furry face.”FUTURE PLANS
By 2021, Wag & Company
hopes to be making more than
100,000 annual visits. The goal
is around 650 visiting Wag
teams by 2022 – 23 and 1,000
long-term.WORKING TOGETHER
Wag & Company believes
that ef ective working
relationships with valued and
respected North East partners
and supporters is key to its
future development. Current
companies and organisations,
including Northumbrian Water,
Arco, Sage, The Essence Service,
Northumbria Healthcare NHS
Foundation Trust, Blackett
Walker, Hay & Kilner Law
Firm, Age UK Teesside, and
The British Red Cross, have
all contributed to the
charity’s growth.“It’s a lovely way to spend
a couple of hours — we
have a good chat and Jack
loves seeing Kitty. It really is
a privilege to be welcomed
into someone’s home.”
Home visitors Tracey
Hopps and Labrador Jack,
who visit Kitty Dobie.“They are like family to
us now — we love to visit
them as much as they enjoy
seeing us.”
Rachel Sibley
and Labrador
Ballet, who
visit Ron and
Cath Wilkinson
in their own
home, often
bringing i sh and chips.“I’m so proud
of my dog; she
is really very
special and
I get to share
her. I have
a lovely new
friend, too, and
I really enjoy it.”
Stephanie
Long and
Rottweiler Nala, who visit
Jean Purves.“Staying well and recovering
from illness is more than just
tablets and treatment. It’s
about having quality and
frequent interactions with
other humans and pets.”
David Dawson,
Northumbria Healthcare
NHS Foundation Trust.56 Your Dog May 2019THE WAG EFFECTW
hen John Robson lost Nora, his wife of 64 years, and
his 20-year-old Border Terrier, Mick, two years ago, he
felt empty.
But thanks to Sean Malone and his Labrador, Ali e, John’s life
has been transformed.
“At the beginning of last year, I had nothing and now I have
a wonderful relationship with these lovely friends and my life
has completely changed,” explained John, of Cramlington,
Northumberland.
“I do get lonely living on my own, and I couldn’t manage to
have a dog now. This is the best of both worlds. It’s fantastic
— like winning the Pools!”● For further information, visit http://www.wagandcompany.co.uk,
email oi [email protected], or call 01434 611801.WALK FOR WAG
The charity’s biggest money-raising event is its annual
3km and 10km sponsored walks at Northumberland’s
stunning Kielder Water — the biggest man-made lake in
northern Europe — and Forest Park.
Taking place this year on Saturday, September 28, the
fourth Walk for Wag promises fun, spectacular scenery, canine
guests from Northumbria Police, and entertainment provided
by Hexham Uketeers. Individuals, families, friends, and dog
walking groups are all welcome to register.
Hosted by Northumbria Water, and supported by local
safety experts Arco, last year’s event attracted 130 people and
raised £13,500.of bothworlds.ItsfantasticDogs can be a source of
comfort to the elderly.John with Sean and
Labrador Ali e.Rachel and Ballet.Tracey and Jack.Stephanie
and Nala.‘Friendship dogs’ come
in all shapes, sizes,
and breeds, including
Rottweilers, Stai es, German
Shepherds, Newfoundlands,
Bull Mastif s, spaniels,
Cockerpoos, Labradors,
Dalmatians, and Border
Terriers.DID YOU KNOW?Seventy nine
per cent of Wag
& Company’s
volunteers are
women.DID YOU
KNOW?“I t
’s like win ing
t he P ls!”
Case
study
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