Jan and Friendship Dog Teddy visit Mrs W in Newcastle

Mrs W is 86 and lives alone after losing her husband some years ago. She has lots of family close by who visit regularly, and she has some significant health challenges, which she manages with lots of humour despite being attached to oxygen around the clock.

She and her husband always loved dogs and had many over the years, mainly Skye Terriers, but her last dog was a spaniel, Zac, whom she misses terribly. She loves seeing Teddy every week and always has treats on hand, some toys and a filled water bowl for lucky Teddy!

Mrs W and her husband volunteered together for the WRVS and even attended Royal Garden parties in recognition of their work – we’re delighted that volunteering can benefit her after all their years of helping others. Mrs W and Jan are great friends now, too. They love to chat, and have many shared interests outside of their lives of dog owning locally; they’ve also just realised they both went to the same high school, although 10 years apart!