Love is in the at The Oracle as single shoppers beat the Valentine’s Day blues with help from furry friends.

The shopping centre is teaming up with the local arm of Therapy Dogs Nationwide. to bring specially trained comfort dogs to lift the spirits of Reading singletons and warm the hearts of even the most lovelorn shoppers.

For a small donation, the pooches, who are trained to offer comfort and affection, will be providing plenty of cuddles in The Oracle’s exclusive Puppy Love Pen, situated outside Hollister on the lower level of centre from 11am-2pm on Valentine’s Day.

What better way to brighten someone’s day than retail and doggy therapy combined?

Ruth Boyes, trustee at Therapy Dogs Nationwide, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to spread some joy with our furry friends at The Oracle this Valentine’s Day.

"Our temperament tested therapy dogs exude love and affection so they will be the perfect pals for anyone feeling lonesome this Thursday.

“As a purely volunteer-led organisation, fund-raising is critical in enabling our services to flourish in the community so any donations will be very gratefully received.”

Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN) is a charity providing various programmes involving dogs for the benefit of those receiving the service including schools, hospices, nursing homes and prisons. It came into being early in 2016 and is managed entirely by volunteers.

Andy Briggs, general manager at The Oracle said: “We could all do with a little Puppy Love in our lives and what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by spending some time with these super cute dogs.

“We’re proud to be supporting Therapy Dogs Nationwide to help them continue the amazing work that they do in our local area, while offering our shoppers a Valentine’s Day experience they’ll never forget.”