NOT all volunteers have two legs, and Crumpet is testament to that.
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The six-year-old blue roan cocker spaniel is a Delta Society Australia therapy dog and visits South West Healthcare every week.
Crumpet is featured in a new book called Dogs that Make a Difference and his owner Eve Grant says that Crumpet does just that.
“He is a volunteer in his own right,” she said.
“There are a hundred different ways that we use dogs. People don’t realise what they can do.”
Ms Grant said Crumpet has been visiting the hospital for two years.
Delta therapy dogs bring the joy of animal companionship to those who can’t see their own pets while in hospital.
“They don’t get paid, but they get love and cuddles,” Ms Grant said.
“He loves being up at the hospital. He’d sit for hours with someone.
“We should appreciate dogs for what they do for the human race.”
The Delta Society Australia believes that a better relationship between people and dogs will lead to a more enriched and fulfilled life for humans and dogs alike.
The book profiles inspiring stories of dogs that bring hope, help and healing to people’s lives including Lucy the Labrador, who helps autistic children come out of their shell and Paris, whose special connection with a stroke victim helped his recovery.
Ms Grant said Crumpet is featured in a colour photo along with his own story.
“He was lucky enough to be picked out of several hundred dogs,” she said.
Crumpet visits different floors of the hospital and sits with patients and allows them to hug him.
Delta’s volunteer therapy dog teams brighten the lives of about 20,000 Australians in hospitals and care facilities every week.