Anne Clilverd started volunteering for Pets As Therapy in 2010, when she was about to retire from a career as a mental health nurse and narrative therapist.
“I had already seen the impact my two dogs had on people I worked with,” she says.
“A client told me what he loved most about the dogs was that they had no idea he’d a mental illness, and accepted him for who he was.”
Cesc, a 10-year-old whippet, is Anne’s PAT Dog today.
“He’s worked alongside my local CAMHS service with children who have a phobia about dogs, and he now visits a primary school as part of the Read2Dogs scheme.
Anne with Cesc.
“As a whippet, Cesc is ideal for a nervous child. The breed is quiet and calm, and, like greyhounds, they have a very soft and warm coat.”
Being Chair of the Board, Anne is keen that every community has a PAT Team.
“Our companion animals can bring such joy and comfort to people who are having a tough time,” she says.
“Understanding that power is what drives my passion. I want to support all our volunteers, and recruit many more to continue this invaluable work.”
Catch up with other articles from our Pets As Therapy series here.
Georgia Wood Georgia works as part of the magazine marketing team. She loves that her job is very varied, every day is different working across all of DCT Media's magazines. She likes trying new things, from cooking to crafting, she's currently learning to knit!
