Golden Retriever, Ruby, has been bringing her own special dose of therapy to cheer Solihull Hospital patients during the festive season.

The two year old, Pets As Therapy (P.A.T) dog is brought onto the elderly care ward once a week by her owner, Marilyn Pringle, and whenever specially requested by patients to offer comfort and companionship during their hospital stay.

Marilyn explains: “Ruby’s Christmas outfit has put smiles on faces all around the Hospital, but when she has her yellow Pets As Therapy jacket on, knows she has a job to do. She has a very calming way about her and loves to be petted and the elderly patients respond well to that.  Christmas can be a difficult and sometimes lonely time to be in Hospital, so Ruby truly is Santa’s extra special helper.”

Phil Hall, senior dementia nurse at Solihull Hospital, said: “When Ruby arrived wearing reindeer antlers, she brought a smile to everyone on the ward.”