In May 2022, Ted was referred to Our Special Friends (OSF) by the NHS Integrated Neighbourhood Team. Recently widowed, Ted, 87, struggled with low mood and isolation. Having been diagnosed with arthritis and COPD, Ted was housebound, and although his family were supportive, they did not all live locally, leaving Ted feeling very alone.
When an OSF Volunteer Assessor met Ted, he shared fond memories of his late Jack Russell Terrier and other dogs he had owned previously. Missing the canine companionship, Ted was eager for OSF to arrange weekly visits from a volunteer and their dog. Although Ted smoked, he agreed to refrain from smoking two hours before visits and to air out his flat to ensure a comfortable environment for the dog and the volunteer.
We identified a potential volunteer, Aida, who had previously visited another client whose health had deteriorated and meant visits were no longer possible. Aida has a lovely 7½ year old friendly Staffor
dshire Bull Terrier, Blue, who she had brought over from Spain, and they started visiting Ted in July 2022. Ted delighted in Aida’s visits and interacting with Blue, getting her to sit, and practising Blue’s skills such as balancing treats on her nose before flicking her head up to catch them! He even bought Blue a special water bowl for the warm weather. Blue, loving the attention and treats, quickly adapted to her role in providing companionship.
Aida’s weekly visits continued until Ted sadly passed away at the end of February 2024. Ted’s granddaughter notified Aida, who was deeply saddened as she was just about to arrange their next visit. Aida attended Ted’s funeral, where a photo of Ted and Blue was lovingly included in the order of service.
Aida told us how right from the start, the match: “was a complete success as Blue and Ted felt an instant connection on the very first visit (I guess the treats and cuddles helped!). For a little bit more than a year, Blue and I visited Ted once a week, and during this time became genuine good friends. We would have our ‘moan-ments’, but mostly there was a lot of laughter.
I really miss the stories he used to tell me about the air force, and all the travelling he did around the world. You could perfectly imagine the places by the descriptions he gave. Also, he would tell me about his family, how happy he was with them, and how he met his lovely wife. I think Animal Companionship is just amazing. How much positive impact a single hour can have in a person’s life, and to see the improvement in their mental health and wellbeing. For example, we would start the visits with “my back aches today” or “I have been a little bit down this week” and finish with laughter, teaching new tricks to Blue, and spoiling her with treats and cuddles. Not only would the visits positively affect Ted’s day, but also mine, and that feeling lasted long after the visit had ended. I got to know Ted really well and we become good friends. It made me feel great, that I was being helpful when I took Blue to visit him, socialising and bringing a smile to his face. Visiting Ted made me really happy, and it felt very gratifying to see that he enjoyed the time with us too”
Ted’s son said to Aida: “I just wanted to let you know that he loved your visit every time you went with Blue. He told me all about them every night when I called him, he loved talking to you about places in Spain … Thank you for doing what you do visiting people that need some company and entertainment from your sweet dog.”
