Say ‘hello’ to the OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dogs and their handlers in the Fire and Rescue Service.
These dogs are all members of the national OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dog network and are able to attend the aftermath of a major incident to support those affected by trauma. They also get the opportunity to attend national events and to support our wellbeing outreach service.
Ziggy's handler, Colleen, has worked with South Western Ambulance Service for just over 15 years and currently works for the Staying Well Service which means she helps to support the wellbeing of colleagues, both frontline and support services.
Colleen said: "I am very excited to have recently joined the OK9 team with Ziggy. We have always wanted to have dog therapy as part of our wellbeing provision, so we are very keen to see what this will look like moving forward having Ziggy and other dogs of the team visit hospitals, ambulance stations and our control rooms.
"What can I say about Ziggy, he certainly lives up to his namesake! But knows just when the time is right to be cuddly and affectionate. Ziggy is very playful and will love you forever if you have a ball or stick in hand. Ziggy is known for his very stylish head of highlights which just adds to his beautiful character. "
Reggie's handler, Michelle, has worked in the NHS for over 30 years with 26 of those being in the ambulance service.
Michelle said: "I am the wellbeing lead within the Trust’s Staying Well Service. The service is available to all our people and provides immediate access to support and we pride ourselves on supporting people with their wellbeing.
"I am excited to have become an OK9 handler, as I know from my own experience how much difference a dog can really make. Reggie is an absolute cutie (yes, I’m biased), and just adores cuddles and thinks that everyone should take a minute to pet him!! Having been on an informal visit, both Reggie and colleagues loved it, and many are asking when he is going back!"
Mabel's handler, Vikki, works as an administrator in the Clinical Assessment Service at NEAS.
Vikki said: "Mabel is like my shadow and we love to go out on visits together. Seeing the difference it can make to somebody who is going through a hard time, or having a bad day or feeling lonely, to be able to spend a little bit of time having cuddles and interacting with Mabel makes it all worthwhile."
Poppy's handler, Beth, is a patient transport service manager for the North East Ambulance Service
Beth said: "To be a wellbeing dog handler means so much to me because I feel when the world is so busy around us, a dog can bring a pause with their paws. I hope to bring wellbeing to the workplace with a wagging tail and a happy face to make a change. "