Mood boosting with PAT pup Miley

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Trust’s library at Fieldhead in Wakefield welcomed a special furry visitor to sniff out some good reads.

Tibetan terrier Miley, who’s owned by befriending project and volunteer support co-ordinator Angie Barker, visited the library to showcase a series of mood-boosting books available for staff to loan.

Mood-boosting books is a national scheme promoting uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction. The books are all recommended by readers and reading groups.

Miley, aged two, is a Pets as Therapy dog, which means she goes on visits in the community to boost wellbeing. All breeds of dog can become Pets as Therapy dogs as long as they have been with their owner for at least 6 months, are over 9 months of age and are able to pass a temperament assessment. This involves being able to walk on a loose lead, taking food gently, and accepting being stroked and handled.

Miley regularly visits the wards at Fieldhead’s Unity Centre, providing comfort and company to the service users. Miley’s owner, Angie, owns three other dogs including miniature schnauzer Ada who is also a visiting PAT dog.

Angie said: “I wanted Miley to do this to help other people, but she seems to love it just as much as everyone who meets her! She goes on visits once a week and I am shocked at how successful it’s been.”