My wife and I are both delighted we became involved with CareDogs. My wife had a stroke 18 months ago and last October fell indoors and badly fractured her shoulder resulting in her having a spell in hospital, then 6 months painfully bedbound and since I have been registered as her carer and do virtually all the housework, cook all meals and most of the shopping.

Our final pet, a rescue cat, died less than a year ago with all our problems left a big hole in our lives. We have had five dogs in our 64 years of marriage, all rescues and all lived to ripe old ages. Anna and Luna have now visited us, six times so far - we usually go for a walk on the local Common or High Elms Country Park with them.

Luna is aged on a par with us (87) so about our speed! On the first visit we hit it off with Anna and her dog, had lots to talk about and now in between walks we exchange messages and other titbits - only yesterday Anna emailed a snap she had taken of Luna in her bed with the dog toy I had bought her on the last visit. I did so as it had Luna embroidered on it when I saw it in a shop in Bromley - very unusual and meant to be.

Luna, David and Patricia’s CareDog

Regular walks with Anna and Luna have helped by improving our well being. Both Anna and myself have spent some of our lives living overseas and it always gives us things to talk about. We both see Anna as a very nice friendly person, always reliable and on time. Maybe I should add that I have a history of five heart attacks behind me and I am only three years on from bowel cancer. I view every day as a bonus.

We have always had dogs and/cats all our lives and now with Anna and Luna we almost feel we have a share in a dog again. Certainly Luna has taken to us and that adds to the pleasure. CareDogs entire philosophy and all our contact with the organisation, including the Client Coordinator, have been very friendly and professional. This deserves to be recorded. Thank you.

David and Patricia have been matched with CareDogs volunteer Anna and her dog Luna since February 2024

Date written: June 2024