Flint the therapy dog set to inspire others

Julie Taylor-Radcliffe, of Ryndle Walk, was delighted when her whippet Flint qualified as a therapy dog just before Christmas.

Since then he has been giving joy to residents at care homes with his regular visits.

Retired nurse Julie, 61, said: People’s faces just light up. It provokes memories of when they were younger.

“I’m so proud of him it’s untrue, but he’s just doing what comes naturally.” Julie said: “You never know what will come of it. I had another therapy dog before, called Echo, and we used to visit a lady called Margaret. We campaigned together to get an Animal War Memorial in Morley, where I used to live.”

Pets As Therapy dogs – and cats – work with people in care homes, hospitals and schools to help brighten their day.

Flint, two, will soon be working with people who have Alzheimer’s. Julie is hoping he will inspire other pet owners to consider the potential of their animals to help others.

She explained that you simply apply online and have an assessment with a vet.

It then took around three months for Flint to be registered. Go to petsastherapy.org