Introducing newly-trained Pets As Therapy dog, Willow

Students were welcomed by our beloved four-legged furry friend as they enrolled on their courses. Willow, an adorable three-year-old Newfypoo, is a newly-trained Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog. She was visiting the campus with her owner Louise Iredale, who is the university’s Director of Jobs for Students.

Louise said: “I have always been a huge dog lover and spotted something extra special from the start with Willow. She has an extraordinary way of putting a smile on the face of everyone she meets. She recently passed her Pets As Therapy assessment with flying colours and was described as the ‘perfect PAT dog’. I am grateful to be able to share Willow’s magic with our students at the University of Bolton and for her to provide supportive cuddles and a listening doggy ear during those tough times that we can all go through.”

Willow isn’t the only PAT dog owned by a member of university staff. Fiona Valentine, Disability Manager at the Student Services department, has two curly-coated retrievers (Ali and Zara).

Willow, Ali and Zara will be working closely with the Life Lounge team.