Volunteer profile: Claire and wonderful Tulip

Tulip is my four-legged partner in a mission close to my heart: bringing comfort and cheer to those who need it most through Wag & Company.

Tulip came into my life on 1 July 2022, and she is, without doubt, the best thing that has happened to me. After a difficult number of years with a challenging employer and the pressures and consequences of the pandemic on an HR professional, I left that role in March 2022. My friends and family quickly noticed the change: I’d become the ‘real Claire’ again. For a long time, I’d just been trying to get by, but with this new lease of life, I soon realised that something was still missing.

That’s where Tulip came in. Although I’d never owned a dog before, I’d always been drawn to them—their loyalty, companionship, and the simple joy they bring. My first dog-love was my Uncle Bryan’s old English Sheepdog, Nicky, and I adored him. The timing hadn’t been right before; work commitments simply got in the way. But when working from home became possible, the stars finally aligned.

A chance meeting at a Jubilee party in Crawcrook in May 2022 changed everything. As we enjoyed our picnics, we met a family with Tulip, her siblings and her mam. It was love at first lick—and I’ve never looked back.

Tulip is my best mate, flat mate, and dinner date. I no longer feel alone. She gives the best snuggles and kisses—so I’m always reminded I’m loved. She gets me out of bed each morning, even on the dark days, and ensures I get my daily dose of fresh air (and 10k steps!). That excited bum wiggle when I get home is the highlight of my day. She makes me laugh with her sassiness and daft antics, and at night, I’m often amused by her random sleeping positions.

Since Tulip arrived, I’ve become more connected—with my neighbours, colleagues, and a local dog community I didn’t know existed. She’s been by my side through laughter, tears, work stress, and even soppy movies. Her unconditional love is something I truly cherish, and I can’t imagine life without her.

When I discovered Wag & Company through a previous colleague (who also volunteers), it was an obvious choice. It felt right to volunteer with my best pal by my side.

Tulip and I have been matched with a lovely gentleman, Mr T, who lives alone and—because of ill health—can’t have a dog of his own. He ADORES Tulip. She knows exactly where she’s going when we visit, bound for his front door and jumping onto the sofa to snuggle up with him for a few hours.

Mr T has so many stories from his past—especially about life in his community and his encyclopaedic knowledge of Westerns and John Wayne. I’ve even started watching The High Chaparral after our visits! Watching Tulip and Mr T together is truly heart-warming, and I feel so grateful for the reward of these moments.

I volunteer for Wag & Company because I’ve always believed in the power of small acts of kindness. Loneliness can affect anyone, but I’ve seen first-hand how Tulip’s friendly nature brings light, laughter, and conversation wherever she goes. Every visit is a reminder that the simplest gestures—a warm greeting, a shared story, or just a reassuring paw—can make a world of difference.

Whether we’re making someone smile or simply offering companionship, Tulip and I are proud to be part of something bigger: helping to nurture community and compassion across the Northeast.

And my volunteering doesn’t stop there. Tulip and I have also been involved in Press Paws Events, where we visit our corporate sponsors together. With Tulip by my side, I get the opportunity to promote the wonderful work that Wag & Company does, raise awareness about how people can get involved, and encourage vital volunteering and fundraising. As you can imagine, Tulip is always a big hit with everyone we meet!

I’ve even taken Tulip into my workplace as part of Mental Health Awareness Week—and, unsurprisingly, she stole the show! Dogs bring so many benefits: they help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, boost mood, and promote physical activity and social connection. These are all core elements of our wellbeing strategy at work, and Tulip really helped spark positive conversations around mental health.

And in July 2025, I’ll be taking on a new challenge for Wag & Company: I’m jumping out of a plane! Yes, I’ll be doing a tandem skydive to raise money for this amazing charity, and I’m both excited and a little nervous—but absolutely determined to do my bit to support the cause.

I hope our story will inspire others to think about the difference they can make too—perhaps with their own four-legged friend.