His face lit up' - Therapy dog brightens day of North East stroke patient, 94

A 94-year-old stroke patient at Sunderland Royal, Ronald Shaw, received a visit from Milo, an official therapy dog, and NHS staff said it immediately lifted his day. Milo, a Bedlington Terrier, visits with volunteer Jill Bambrough from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust, where the programme operates as “Pets as Therapy.” Shaw had been on the stroke ward for several weeks and said he had been missing family pets. Jill described Ron’s reaction, including him talking and singing during the visit and nearly falling asleep with Milo nearby. The trust said pet therapy can improve mood, reduce loneliness and anxiety, and it is recruiting additional pet owners from September 14.