A Northampton volunteer who has spent three decades bringing therapy dogs to patients is celebrating 30 years of helping people through the Pets As Therapy (PAT) charity.

Pat Hart, 80, has volunteered with her dogs at St Andrew's Healthcare for the past 30 years, visiting hundreds of patients and helping provide comfort and companionship to people with complex mental health needs.

A retired social worker, Pat began volunteering by taking therapy dogs to people living with dementia before becoming a familiar face on the wards at St Andrew's.

She said: "You become part of the ward, and everyone is always so happy to see you. The lovely thing about having a dog with you is that patients don't see you as staff. It creates a completely different relationship.

Pat Hart, 80, has volunteered with her dogs at St Andrew's Healthcare for the past 30 years

placeholder image — Pat Hart, 80, has volunteered with her dogs at St Andrew's Healthcare for the past 30 years

"Patients who are also dog lovers absolutely love it. They talk about the dogs they had growing up or the pets they miss. For many patients who are isolated and unable to go out, those conversations are really important."

Over the years, Pat has worked with eight female Border Collies, saying the dogs often instinctively know when someone needs comfort.

She also spent 28 years assessing prospective therapy dogs to ensure they have the right temperament for the role.

Despite the emotional challenge of saying goodbye to patients, Pat said seeing the positive impact of the visits has kept her motivated.

She said: "We have a lot of laughs together and patients get so much pleasure from it. Seeing them smile, engage and come alive again makes everything worthwhile."

Dawn Wright, voluntary services manager at St Andrew's Healthcare, praised Pat's dedication, saying her compassion and the bond she shares with her dogs has brought "joy, comfort and connection" to countless patients over the past 30 years.