For Gill, a Bracknell customer and RAF veteran medic living with PTSD, visits from therapy dog Milly have become a source of comfort, connection and confidence, proving that a friendly face and four paws can make all the difference.
When Milly arrives at the extra care scheme with her owner and handler, Dianne, Gill says her worries seem to disappear.
The comfort and calm Milly brings often stays with Gill long after each visit, helping her feel more settled for days afterwards.
Milly’s visits are part of Abri’s work with local pet therapy charities, helping customers access activities that support wellbeing and reduce isolation.
Gill, who has lived in her home for over 18 months, enjoys the strong sense of community the scheme provides. Alongside regular social activities such as bingo and shared spaces like the community café, Milly’s visits have become one of the highlights of Gill’s week.
Visits from Milly and owner Dianne, not only bring comfort and companionship but also help customers stay connected to the local community.
Initially, Gill felt a little cautious around Milly, but curiosity developed into friendship between the gentle dog, Dianne and Gill, who now eagerly looks forward to every visit.
Milly and Dianne support people in care homes and colleges across Surrey and Berkshire. Their work began when Dianne first saw that Milly had a natural ability to comfort people - as a young dog, she had instinctively sat beside a woman on the beach who was grieving. Dianne finds that when she and Milly visit extra care schemes, people open up. Talking about happy memories with much-loved pets can lead to all kinds of other conversations.
