Evie, Our Wonderful Therapy Dog: An Afternoon of Joy and Comfort 

Last week at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, we had a very special visitor: Evie, our golden retriever therapy dog, along with her owner, Paul Mabley. Evie is a beloved part of our team, offering joy, comfort, and companionship to the children in our care.  

Paul first connected with us through the Pets as Therapy charity and, after a few visits, decided to become a regular volunteer with us. We are so grateful to have them both on board, and the children just adore visits from Evie! 

As you can see from the photos, the session with Evie was full of smiles and laughter. Therapy dogs like her are more than just a friendly presence – they bring enormous therapeutic benefits, particularly for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.  

Dogs have an incredible ability to sense emotions and offer support just by being close. During last week’s visit, Evie gently approached each child, providing physical and emotional comfort. For some children, simply stroking Evie’s fur can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm. 

Therapy dogs have been shown to improve mental wellbeing by offering a distraction from the challenges our children face. Evie’s gentle nature helps children who may be feeling isolated, frightened, or in pain to feel a sense of connection and comfort. For children with limited mobility or those who may not be able to engage with more active forms of therapy, interacting with a dog like Evie offers a unique way to engage their senses and lift their spirits. 

Beyond the emotional support, having Evie visit helps to create a positive, calming atmosphere at the hospice. Children look forward to her visits, and even those who may be having a tough day feel lighter and more joyful in her presence. For the children, wonderful memories were being created as Evie ate treats softly and patiently from their hands.

All of us here at Alexander Devine would like to extend our gratitude to Paul and Evie for coming in on a regular basis, giving up their free time in the process, to brighten up our day. It’s not just the children that benefit from Evie’s visit – our team also love nothing more than giving her a good head scratch!  

We are always looking for volunteers like Paul, who bring something special to our hospice. If you or someone you know has a passion for animals, music, art, or any other talents, we would love to hear from you. Please consider volunteering your time or skills to help create special moments for the children at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. Together, we can make a difference.