A kind-hearted volunteer has spoken of the immense joy she gets from bringing her ‘gentle, calming’ therapy dog to meet children and families at The Nook.
Jenny Hutchinson and black Labrador Ellie visit East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Norfolk base every other Thursday.
As well as meeting children and families receiving care and support, the popular pair are also enthusiastically greeted by staff.
“I always said I’d love to do something like this,” said Jenny, who was speaking during national Volunteers’ Week.
“So, when I retired earlier this year, it felt a natural thing to do, and it made sense to combine three things I’m passionate about – volunteering, dogs and EACH.
“It’s so rewarding, and people’s animated, positive reactions make me very happy.
“One little boy beamed with delight when he met Ellie. His face lit up, and, afterwards, a nurse told me he hadn’t smiled for a long while.
“Although I never get emotional at the time, it brought a tear to my eye on the way home and still chokes me up now.”
Jenny and husband Jim bought five-year-old Ellie in July 2023.
She was immediately drawn to her “big, expressive eyes” and happily admits she would have paid double, given the joy she has brought since.
Jenny began the process of registering Ellie as a Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog, and the pair began visiting The Nook in early March. They go onto the care floor or into the hospice’s family accommodation area, depending on when and where they are needed.
“I’m a huge dog-lover and have always had them, but there’s something special about Ellie,” said the 66-year-old, from Harleston.
“She’s such a beautiful dog with the most wonderful temperament.
“Like a human, it’s almost like she reads a room and knows who to go to.
“When she’s outside, running through the woods or around my grandchildren, she’s full of life and energy.
“However, when I bring her here, or into my mum’s nursing home, she becomes so gentle and calming. It’s like she knows how to behave and senses the mood.
“As well as meeting and being stroked by children, I feel it gives the staff a lift, too, and that means a lot to me.
“They do such an incredible job, and sometimes it must be emotional and stressful.
“Ellie puts smiles on faces, and I feel fortunate, blessed and proud to have a dog that has such a positive impact on people. It’s a special feeling.”
Jenny loves being an EACH volunteer and is happy to be sharing her story during Volunteers’ Week.
The national initiative is an opportunity to thank, acknowledge and inspire those who spare their time for the invaluable role they play.
“From my point of view, it’s a small thing that hopefully makes a big difference,” said the former medical secretary.
“It’s something I’m more than happy to do.
“Since retiring, I have the time and can easily spare a few hours within my week.
“I believe that’s the most valuable thing you can give people, and it costs me nothing.
“Volunteers play such a hugely important role and bring so much to an organisation like EACH.
“Without them, certain things simply wouldn’t be possible and awareness weeks like this are a great opportunity to acknowledge their enormous contribution.”
In addition to her work with Ellie, Jenny has also been an EACH Help at Home volunteer since December 2021.
She is matched with families and goes into their home, lending support by helping with things like cleaning and gardening – a role she dutifully carries out every Wednesday.
“I find it so rewarding,” said the mum of three, who also has two stepchildren and nine grandchildren.
“I feel thankful I’m able to help, and it certainly puts things in perspective in terms of my own family’s health.
“EACH is truly fantastic, and we’re lucky to have such an amazing charity here in our community.
“The staff are kind, caring, professional people, and although I know families can be anxious about coming to a hospice, I can’t speak highly enough of The Nook.
“When I tell people I spend time in a children’s hospice, they often say ‘I couldn’t do that’.
“However, it’s a wonderful place and far from sad and depressing. Actually, it’s a happy, calming environment and one that’s full of joy.”
Pictures: Mila Sousa/EACH
