hen Debbie Lavery first brought home her cavapoochon, Pippin, she had no idea just how profound an impact the little dog would have. A gift from her late father shortly before he passed away from dementia in 2024, Pippin provided immeasurable comfort in his final days. “After seeing how Pippin helped my father, I thought, if she can do it for dad, maybe she can do it for other people,” explains Debbie.
Now, Debbie and Pippin volunteer at Great Western Hospital in Swindon, visiting patients across the wards, from toddlers in the children’s unit to elderly individuals in critical care. Their visits offer more than just distraction; they bring a sense of calm, connection, and joy to people in difficult circumstances and alien environments.
Volunteers like Debbie have long played a vital (and sometimes unseen) role in our healthcare system. At a time when pressures on NHS staff and patient care are at a worrying level, their support has never been more essential. Whether through emotional support, practical help, or simply a friendly presence, volunteers help ensure that everyone can get the healthcare they deserve.
“Patients react in different ways,” she explains. “Some will hug Pippin and start to cry. Sometimes it’s because they’re missing a pet at home, or they’ve been in hospital for a while. There are so many emotions, but it’s always positive.”
And it’s not just the patients who benefit. Pippin has become something of a celebrity among the hospital staff, who often need a lift just as much as the patients. “They’ve got a hard, stressful job,” says Debbie. “Giving them a few minutes to have a stroke and a chat can make such a difference to their day.”
Pippin’s intuitive nature adds something extra to each visit - she’ll often be the one leading Debbie around the hospital, rather than the other way around.
“Everybody thinks their dog is wonderful, but I genuinely think Pippin is special,” Debbie shares. “She has this magical way of sensing when someone needs her. We’ll be finishing our shift and about to leave, and she’ll start pawing at me. Then she’ll lead me into a room, and I’ll have to explain that she wanted to visit. And more often than not, it turns out to be the most meaningful visit of the day.”
NHS Charities Together believe there should never be a barrier to volunteering. Everyone should have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference. Stories like Debbie’s remind us how powerful even small acts of kindness can be, and why volunteers are such an essential part of helping the NHS thrive.
Watch the video above and follow Debbie and Pippin on their hospital rounds, as they offer comfort, companionship, and a reminder that even the smallest gestures of kindness can make a lasting impact.
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In partnership with NHS Charities Together, we’ll be spotlighting the many ways these charities enhance care across the UK, including making it easier for people to give back through volunteering.
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“Volunteering as a pet therapist has made me realise that a little empathy goes a long way”
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