HEALTHCARE charity, Sue Ryder, has partnered with Pets As Therapy to launch a nationwide search for the paw-fect canine companions to carry out important duties at the charity’s neurological care centres, hospices, and palliative care hubs across the UK.

And the charity is on the look-out for Berkshire dogs with Ambassadog potential for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading.

The first of its kind competition will celebrate dogs that are changing lives across the UK - with 11 four-legged friends being awarded the title of Ambassadog, working with Sue Ryder to spread love and support to those who need it most.

READ ALSO: Reading man appears in court charged with murder of Beth Aspey

For people living with a terminal diagnosis, complex neurological condition or acquired brain injury, Sue Ryder believes that the unconditional love of a dog can provide companionship, relieve stress and bring joy.

Selecting the next therapy pooch for each of Sue Ryder’s hospices and centres across the UK will be down to a panel of dog-loving celebrity judges, including presenter Kaye Adams, actress Carley Stenson, TV presenter Richard Arnold and author Emily Dean, as well as expert judge, Matthew Robinson from Pets As Therapy and Heidi Travis, Chief Executive of Sue Ryder.

The four-legged recruits, and their owners will be expected to volunteer a minimum of two hours a month to visit Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice to provide puppy love and furry cuddles with the hope of brightening the days of Sue Ryder’s patients and staff.

Each dog will be assessed to make sure they fit the Pets As Therapy temperament assessment and are sociable, friendly, calm and gentle enough to work with Sue Ryder’s patients.

Kaye Adams, TV Personality and Presenter said: “I am delighted to be part of Sue Ryder’s wonderful campaign to help find new therapy dogs for their hospices and neurological centres across the UK.

"Sue Ryder hope their ‘Ambassadogs’ will bring a great deal of joy and comfort to patients going through some of the most difficult times of their lives, and so it’s really important that we find the best dogs for the job.

"I absolutely love dogs and know how much of a support they can be during tough times - my own little Cockapoo Bea makes me smile every day - and so I feel honoured to be judging the competition.”

READ ALSO: Martin Lewis: Is it cheaper to switch heating on and off or leave it running?

Amanda Dean, Volunteer Coordinator at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “Pet therapy really is a fantastic way to reduce stress and bring happiness to our patients.

"It has been a really tough year for everybody.

"Throughout the pandemic, the few therapy dogs that we are working with have been unable to visit and our patients have really missed them, as have the Sue Ryder Doctors, Nurses, care and support staff.

“Now that we are able to start planning for the return of visitors, we wanted to put out a call to all Berkshire dog owners to nominate their furry friends in a bid to become one of Sue Ryder’s very first paw-some Ambassadogs!”

To find out if your loyal companion has what it takes to be a Sue Ryder therapy dog, view the job description online by visiting www.sueryder.org/Ambassadog.

Nominations must be in by May 28, 2021.