Meet Sam Candy and her dog, Rosie, the first of a new batch of recruits who responded to our recent appeal for doggie volunteers to visit Dorset care homes.
The plea was on behalf of Caring Canines, the self-funded service co-founded by friends, Sue Dennett and Julie Lankshear, which coordinates the visits.
The response was immediate and a new team of visitors – both dry- and wet-nosed and including Sam and her 10-year-old sprocker Rosie, from Ferndown – are now ready.
Sue says: “Rosie was the first dog mentioned in the magazine, so she’s very special to us.
“Thanks to your article in the New Stour and Avon and New Blackmore Vale magazines the response was amazing. A few people lived out of area, but we gave them contacts for national dog-assisted therapy charities, so they can help spread the doggy magic.
“Other new members are visiting across Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch,” says Sue, “and Julie and I thank you for your help and support in finding us so many new people to make the difference to people’s lives.”
“We had 20 enquiries, from which 12 people and their dogs joined us – they’ve started to visit and share the happiness offered by the dogs. The first, Sam and Rosie, are now visiting a Ferndown home where Rosie’s gentle manner is appreciated by staff and residents alike.”
Sam says: “I knew Rosie would enjoy the fuss. She’s a very friendly and affectionate girl, so why not share that joy?
“The advert came at the right time. I tried to volunteer at Bournemouth Hospital but due to Covid they were unable to take new people on, so I thought, ‘why not do something with my pet to help others instead’?”
The first visit went well. “We met residents in the lounge, in the gorgeous garden and toured their rooms,” she says.
“Rosie was keen to sniff everywhere, but I’m told she’ll calm down after a few visits!”
And the best part of being a Canine Carer?
“For Rosie no doubt all the treats and endless stroking,” Sam says. “It was nice to see the residents’ enjoyment from Rosie’s interaction, which led to lots of chats. Rosie’s tail did not stop wagging, so she obviously had a great time!”

by Lorraine Gibson