As part of the PETS AS THERAPY (PAT) 40th anniversary celebrations in 2023 the first ever PAT Impact Awards ran to recognise unsung heroes — volunteering teams who do incredible work, make a huge impact and change people’s lives for the better.

PAT Volunteer Wendy Jones was one of the four inspirational PAT Impact Award winners. Watch Wendy speak about a young boy called Lake who has an incredible bond with her PAT dog Lacee here. Lake had sustained facial injuries after being attacked by a dog and had developed a dog phobia and PTSD. “I’m so proud of my Lacee who has an ability to sense a person’s needs,” smiles Wendy. “Lacee was truly instrumental in helping a young boy with a debilitating dog phobia.”

Listen to Shelli Lake's mother speak about their journey here. 

Every day friendly PAT Pets, along with their owners, bring joy to so many people – residents in care homes, children at schools, patients in hospitals, inmates at prisons, the list goes on. 

The positive impact PATs has is heartwarming and everyone can resonate with what it means. "Charlie, my two-year-old son, knew that PAT Dog Alfie was around, and his cuddles instantly seemed to settle him." John (father of young hospital patient). Watch the video on Alfie here and follow PAT on social media to keep up to date on their activities here Facebook X Instagram YouTube LinkedIn