FIVE-YEAR-OLD labradoodle Tallulah is hard to miss with her apricot curls, wagging tail and calming nature.
Sometimes known as Lula, the Pets as Therapy dog was excited to bring cuddles to the children and young people at Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Lula is the charity’s newest volunteer recruit who will join therapy dog Shuna, a nine-year-old German shorthaired pointer, in bringing smiles to the hospice each week.
Dog mum Clare, 51, of Chorley said: “Lula has always been a calm and lovely dog. We’ve always been stopped on our walks, even when she was a puppy.
“She loves children and she’s always as good as gold when she’s with them – she really enjoys visiting Derian.”
The benefits of having a therapy dog have been well-documented, with studies showing stroking a pet can reduce stress and bring a calming effect.
Katie McNally, Wellbeing and Play Team Leader at Derian House, said: “It’s wonderful to see the children’s faces light up when one of our furry friends walks in.
“They have been giving Lula lots of love and cuddles, and especially love to stroke her fluffy curls.
“Having such a happy, lovely dog around really makes us all smile.”
Lula and Shuna have made their debut on the Derian House TikTok earlier this month. You can watch the two furry friends by searching for ‘derianhousechorley’ on the app.
Derian’s visiting dogs are volunteers with the Pets as Therapy charity which provides therapeutic pet visits across the country. To find out more, visit: https://petsastherapy.org/
