There's nothing quite like a cuddle from a dog, is there? That unconditional love and undivided attention that they give. And, for many isolated elderly people living in North East England, a visit from a four-legged friend provided by a local charity has become a lifeline.
National Lottery funded project Wag and Co organises regular visits from volunteers and 'friendship dogs' to older people in care homes and their own homes, with the hope of combating isolation and loneliness.
One of the people supported by the charity is Sheila Moody, 91. When Sheila's husband died six years ago, she began to feel desperately lonely. Living in a rural area near Durham with no relatives living nearby, the retired publican would have loved to have had a dog, but she felt, at her age, she would be unable to walk one.
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Through Wag and Co, Sheila has formed a friendship with black Lurcher Eddie and his owner Diane who visit her every week.
"I call him 'my boy Eddie'," says Sheila.
"He's so elegant I think he should be called Duke Edward."
"When Eddie turned up on my doorstep he made a huge difference - it was paradise. Eddie comes in and lays on the sofa and puts his head in my lap. I usually cook him some chicken and Diane and I have a good chat."
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For Sheila and the more than 2,000 people benefiting from this project, Wag and Co provide something to look forward to. It's some regular company, a chat with the volunteer and a cuddle on the sofa with that much-loved furry friend.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Wag and Co has had to temporarily suspend all home visits. However, the charity has still been finding ways to keep in touch with the people they help.
Since March, the 400-strong team of volunteers have continued to remotely support their elderly friends at home and in residential care with errands, shopping, gardening and scheduling regular chats by phone or video call.
They have been delivering photo books and newsletters, Thinking of You cards with pictures of their dogs, as well as cakes and thousands of Wag 2021 Calendars; doing everything they can to help keep these elderly people feeling connected.
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Wag and Co is just one of hundreds of thousands of good causes funded by players of The National Lottery. By playing The National Lottery, you are helping to raise £30 million* for good causes like Wag and Co every week.
*From: April 19-March 20
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