A border collie who has provided support for patients at Southport Hospital for the last seven years has decided to hang up his lead.
Jack has become something of a star attraction on the wards of the hospital in that time in his role as a therapy dog, providing comfort and support to all patients but at the age of 11 is now ready to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
His own story is a remarkable one. He lost an eye in an accident when he was just five weeks-old and his plight was spotted on Facebook by current owner Judith Hulse in a post by a breeder who was struggling to rehome him following a litter.
The accident means he is affectionately known as “One-Eyed Jack.’’
Judith said: “I just fell for his little sad face really.”
Judith then began taking Jack into a care home to see her mum when he was four years-old and noticed how well patients responded to him.
She said: ‘‘I noticed how great he was with the residents and how they looked forward to seeing him every Sunday when I was visiting my mum.
‘‘I started researching therapy dogs and thought his temperament would be perfect. I knew he would be great in a hospital environment which is why I became a volunteer at Queenscourt Hospice and Southport Hospital.’’
He was five years-old when Judith applied to Therapy Dogs Nationwide. She felt that Jack’s calm temperament made him a good candidate to work as a therapy dog.
Over the years Jack and Judith have visited a number of wards at Southport Hospital including intensive care, the specialist North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and the Hospice.
In that time, he also became something of a national star, appearing on the final of the BBC1 show Perfect Pooch while his own Facebook page ‘One Eyed Jack Daniels’ has 14,000 followers.
Judith said: “Jack has always had a natural ability to cheer people up whatever their situation. Because he only has one eye, it is an easy conversation starter and children especially warm to him straight away which is great if they have sick relatives in the hospice or hospital.
“The best thing about volunteering has been the smiles on people’s faces when they interact with Jack and the way they relax and tell me about their pets at home or the ones they have lost. Lots of times people have stopped me in the hospital corridor and asked if they could say hello to him.
“We both have had a lot of pleasure being volunteers, but it is time now for Jack to have a rest.’’
Volunteer Co-ordinator at Southport Hospital, Irene Gardner, said everyone will miss Jack’s visits.
She said: “Jack has been remarkable with patients over the years. He must have helped thousands of patients in his time, and everyone just loves him.
“It is not just the patients though; our staff will also miss seeing him on the wards. They adore him and I think they sometimes get more excited than the patients about his visits.’’
Angie Westwood, Matron on the Critical Care Unit at Southport Hospital, said: “One Eyed Jack is incredible. He has a special way of bringing comfort and joy to patients, especially in the Critical Care unit.
“Jack’s presence helped reduce stress and ease anxiety in our patients. It was truly heartwarming seeing the joy and comfort he brought to people and was an incredibly humbling experience to see him in action. He had a unique ability to connect with patients.
“The way some of our patients responded to his visits was amazing and it often brought a tear to your eyes. He has an amazing way with people and just makes everyone feel so comfortable.’’
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