Dr Brink’s dog Harvey is new Wag patron
THE patronage of the Wellbeing Animals Guernsey charity passed from one dog to another on Saturday.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink’s four-year-old cavachon, Harvey, replaces Milo, the five-year-old Hungarian Vizsla, belonging to the outgoing Lt-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder and Lady Corder.
Wag dogs visit many establishments including the hospital, residential care homes, day centres and schools, to bring pleasure to those who like dogs but might not be able to keep their own.
Sir Ian, whose tenure ends on 30 November, said Milo had particularly enjoyed the parish walk series that the charity had been running, and he said these had taken him and his wife to parts of Guernsey they never knew.
‘We always aspired to Milo becoming a Wag volunteer but his natural exuberance has meant he is not really suitable for the hospital or care home environments,’ he said.
Dr Brink said she and Harvey would be undertaking the training required to become volunteers.
‘Wag is a very professional organisation,’ said Dr Brink.
‘Harvey is a very sociable dog who loves the company of other dogs and people. This is a huge privilege for him too.
‘As we move towards the post-Covid period it’s important to keep the connectivity and that Guernsey Together spirit that has been so successful, going.’
Milo has held the position since the charity was set up four years ago.
Wag treasurer Merise Videlo said he was a popular patron among the volunteers.
‘He has presented all the dogs who have completed the walks with a personally signed certificate,’ she said.
‘We shall miss his enthusiastic support. Harvey is a different character and will bring different qualities to Wag.’
