Guernsey Press

Lt-Gov’s dog Milo is Wag patron

A DOG THERAPY charity has formed with the intention of ‘triggering happy memories and bringing smiles to the faces’ of patients, care home residents and other vulnerable islanders.

Published
Left to right: Sue Gamblin, secretary of Wellbeing Animals Guernsey, with Vanus, Wag chairwoman Marguerite Talmage with Sunny, Lt-Governor Vice-Admiral Sir Ian Corder, Lady Corder with Milo, and Wag committee member David Jeffery. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 20941016)

Wellbeing Animals Guernsey has been created to provide therapy visits and promote a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Lt-Governor Vice-Admiral Sir Ian Corder’s two-year-old Hungarian Vizsla, Milo, has joined Wag as its patron.

‘This is the first time Milo has been asked to perform a high-profile role and one I am sure he will take seriously. The benefits of interaction with animals are well known.

‘Over time, once he has calmed down enough, I would like to think he will become a proactive and participating patron. He is still very young and excitable.’

Wag’s chairwoman Marguerite Talmage said she was delighted to link up with His Excellency.

‘As you would expect, Milo’s a very aristocratic dog with a lovely nature and is already well known in the community,’ she said.

Mrs Talmage regularly visits Le Marchant Ward with Sunny, her seven-year-old chocolate Labrador.

‘She clearly enjoys her weekly visits to the ward as much as the patients do. Interacting with her for just a few minutes often brings smiles and laughter or triggers happy memories of times with their own animals.’

Committee member David Jeffery, a veterinary surgeon at Isabelle Vets, was approached by Mrs Talmage about getting involved and has provided technical support.

There are numerous benefits to what the organisation is aiming to do, he said, especially for elderly and dependent islanders who are unable to look after a dog themselves.

‘However, the presence of a therapy dog gives them an enormous amount of pleasure and relaxation,’ he said.

Oberlands Centre ward manager Ellen Waring said a recent therapy dog visit had highlighted the positive effects it had on its residents with dementia and other complex medical conditions.

‘The response from some of the residents was fantastic, with positive reactions in the form of smiles, appreciative noises and, in three cases, clear talking from individuals who often appear withdrawn or outwardly non-communicative.’

The charity already has seven dogs which have passed temperament and behaviour assessments to ensure their nature is suitable for visiting people in vulnerable situations.

It has already started sending out dogs on regular visits to wards at the hospital, the Oberlands Centre and day care centres.

Wag is looking for volunteers with their dogs to join the team. The animal must have a calm and easygoing nature and be at least 15 months old.

n Anyone interested can contact Mrs Talmage by calling her on 07911 719081, emailing her on margueritetalmage@gmail.com or by visiting the charity’s Facebook page.