Be inspired
Three readers tell how their worlds have been completely changed for the better by their four-legged friends
Julia Sanders, 52, from Barton-under-Needwood in Staffordshire, fosters dogs until they go to new owners. But Chilli and Bean were so special that they have stayed with her and her family.
Ifeel so much pride as Chilli, my rescue shih-tzu and Pomeranian cross, sits on the lap of Father Timothy, her favourite resident at the care home we visit weekly. Chilli is a registered Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, and she’s come such a long way since she was found in July 2021 with her brother, Bean, being sold at a car-boot sale at barely eight weeks old and in terrible condition. Thankfully, a member of the public reported what was happening to the RSPCA. In cases like this, the puppies are fostered until suitable homes are found.
As a long-term fosterer for the RSPCA, I know not to get too attached to the dogs I take in. But when Chilli and Bean turned up, I knew early on that I wouldn’t want to give them up. My husband, Phil, eldest son, Ollie, 20, daughter Milly, 19, and youngest, Oscar, 17, all fell in love with them, and I knew their gentle nature would make them perfect therapy dogs – something I’d been interested in getting involved with for a while.
We weren’t looking to take on any more dogs – we already had two older cockapoos, Buddy and Coco – but after one week with Chilli and Bean, it was clear we were their forever family.
Despite a few scares at the beginning – Bean ate a rock and needed life-saving surgery and Chilli had a bad reaction after being spayed – they’ve been delightful from the start. Bean’s very laid-back and Chilli is bright and intuitive. Both are so gentle with people and look quite goofy, which adds to their charm. They can be menaces when they want, though – they shred soft toys and will even destroy their own bed, so they now sleep on a hammock.
Once we had officially adopted Chilli and Bean, I looked into getting them registered with PAT. They passed their assessments with flying colours and Bean started visiting children at the local infants school. We do weekly sessions with the school’s nurture group, which is made up of Year 1 and 2 children who need help with their confidence. They adore Bean, stroking and brushing him, playing with him and even reading books to him. It’s so rewarding to see the children’s confidence build – and, of course, Bean loves the attention.
At the end of last year, I started taking Chilli for weekly sessions at Charlotte James Care Home in Burton-on- Trent. The residents’ eyes light up as she hops up on their laps for cuddles. Some of them have dementia, and interacting with Chilli br
