He's comforted poorly children when they needed it most. Therapy dog Alfie, who has made countless youngsters smile for almost nine years during their treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, has now retired.
Alfie, a therapy pet, has worked as a volunteer for the nationwide charity Pets as Therapy (PAT) and is one of many animals who are trained to provide comfort and friendly support to children and adults in stressful situations, including during hospital stays.
He has been a familiar and comforting face around the hospital for almost a decade, supporting sick children who need it most. His hugs and companionship have put smiles on the faces of hundreds of Greater Manchester’s most desperately ill children.
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The cuddly pup clocked in for his last shift at the hospital on Wednesday (October 30). The announcement was made to his 115,000 social media followers. The page, which spreads joy, has even earned him celebrity status.
The post read: "My last shift completed. What an amazing 8.5 years with @petsastherapy_uk. I’ve met the most amazing patients, families, staff, friends, colleagues, and virtual friends who have been with me every step of the way. What a privilege to have loved you all. Retirement mode activated now."
The retirement comes just before the snuggly pooch’s 10th birthday, ringing in the day on Halloween. He is expecting to celebrate his big day as a ‘man of leisure’ from the comfort of his own home.
Suzy Emsden is a paediatric care intensive care consultant and Alfie’s owner. She has been working alongside the charity ‘Pets as Therapy’ with her dogs, as well as her demanding day job.
She said: “The great
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Royal Manchester