10 August2016

For immediate release

Meet Buddy - a CNWL Pet as Therapy dog.

This is Buddy - the best friend of a group of patients at CNWL's Park Royal Mental Health Centre in Brent.

Buddy is a two-year-old Cockerpoo, who has been coming in once a week with his owner Megan Howes over the past three months to provide fun and companionship for this vulnerable group of patients as a Pet as Therapy dog.

Megan, 26, who is an Activity Coordinator for the Trust, said: "My colleagues and I were talking about using pets as therapy for the patients, but it's a bit more difficult to have a pet on the wards.

"So I thought about forming a group inside the centre where he could come and be made a fuss of - which he loves. He's got a lot of energy, is very loving and gentle and loves attention. "

Megan helps run a number of activities for patients including cooking, relaxation and playing electronic games but Buddy is the most popular draw.

One patient said: "He makes me happy."
 
Editors' notes 
 
Attached are two photos. The first shows Buddy with his owner Megan and the second is of Buddy.  

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL
Tel: 020 3214 5756 e-mail:communications.cnwl@nhs.net