Volunteer profile: Suzanne with gorgeous Gracie

Meet Visiting Wag Team Suzanne and Gracie, whose story highlights the incredible healing power of giving back. Gracie, a gentle rescue dog with a past as a scrapyard lookout, traveled 1,500 miles from Romania to join Suzanne’s family.

For Suzanne, volunteering became a lifeline during an incredibly challenging chapter of her life. After the heartbreaking loss of her son Samuel to suicide and the deaths of both parents within months, Suzanne sought a fresh start in Newcastle. Together with Gracie, they now bring comfort and connection to those at the end of their lives in the palliative care unit at North Tyneside Hospital.

In Suzanne’s own words, here’s their story:

“Gracie came into my life during the pandemic. Looking to get a companion dog for my elderly spaniel Fred, I adopted Gracie via a charity rehoming Romanian rescues.

Gracie travelled 1500 miles in a van. Her backstory is of being a lookout dog on a scrapyard. I have photos and videos of her chained up next to a rusty water bowl.

I moved to Newcastle two and a half years ago with an equally tough backstory. I lost my 17-year-old son Samuel to suicide at the height of the pandemic, followed by the death of both of my parents within seven months. As my life was in freefall, I moved to the North East to make a fresh start, knowing only one person in this new city. My daughter came here to study medicine and set down roots.

I’d been undertaking voluntary work in the mental health and suicide prevention space but wanted a break, something completely different but equally meaningful. I came across Wag and Co when they visited my local WI group. I wondered whether Gracie would be suitable; she’s quite nervous, given her history. She passed the assessment, although remains fearful of walking sticks and Zimmer frames.

We started to visit The Manor House care home in Gosforth, and she was a massive hit. Arms are outstretched to greet her, and she loves a lap cuddle. Her gentle ways, doleful eyes and ability to connect with those with severe dementia led me to ask if any end-of-life units wanted a visit.

We started to visit the palliative care unit at North Tyneside Hospital a couple of months ago. I’m a district nurse by background and familiar with end-of-life care, but it didn’t prepare me for the impact of this role. Visiting patients and loved ones in their darkest hour is tough. Seeing the angst on the faces of relatives and patients and knowing their pain means I have to dig deep.

I chatted to one couple who were from my hometown in London, and they adored Gracie. The following week, the patient’s bed was in the garden, surrounded by her family. She was in her final hours. Her husband called out, “Suzanne and Gracie are here!” as we approached. Gracie curled up on her bed, bringing humanity and connection at the hardest of times.

I like to think the end-of-life narrative of many on the ward now includes a special ginger rescue dog, spreading hope and lightness. Photographs are often taken and sent to loved ones, a lasting memento of a joyful moment. I have been the relative at that bedside, watching my dad in his final days. We would have loved a doggy visit and a gentle conversation.

It’s emotionally draining. I often drive to North Shields afterwards, take a walk with Gracie, and have a big cry. It takes a couple of hours to decompress. I am taking a short break for my son’s anniversary; I know my limitations.

Gracie and I are a bonded pair; we love our quiet life after our traumatic times. I like to think that giving back through our Wag visits is helping us to both heal a little.”