Edge of Care volunteer creates paw-sitive impact

In response to the pandemic and the need to support people in their own homes, Denbighshire Community Support Services set up a volunteering service to help take the pressure off traditional services. The ‘Edge of Care’ team help people all-across the county.

Jackie is an Edge Of Care volunteer, and has a very special friend who accompanies her on her home visits, her beautiful dog named Maisie.

Maisie is the youngest volunteer on the team, and is almost 3 years old (in human years). She is less than 2 foot high, but is a massive stress reliever and help to the citizens she visits weekly.
The Australian Labradoodle is extremely well behaved and loves nothing more than receiving treats and being fussed. Whilst on the home visits, Jackie has a cup of tea with the citizen and chats about their day and any needs they may have, whilst Maisie gladfully receives some well-deserved treats.

On Maisie, volunteer and owner Jackie talked about how she was going to be rehomed due to family circumstances and how Maisie became part of her family:
“We rescued her and to be honest she has rescued me too. I’ve had her for nearly two years now”.

“Maisie never misses her visits, and we even visited a citizen on Christmas day, so they could spend time with her”.

“She’s a really calm dog and that’s why she is great when she comes along with me”.

Maisie has quickly become the best of friends with the members of the service and the citizens she supports. They always look forward to Jackie and Maisie’s weekly visits.
A Prestatyn citizen, who has regular visits from both Jackie and Maisie said:

“I am very glad for her coming, I feel like we have both saved each other in a way. Maisie has helped me with confidence, and I go out of the house more now”.

“Maisie has turned my life around. I was missing that dog connection, as I’ve always had a dog. I felt very alone, and I’d give Jackie and her little dog a 10/10”.

“I am always glad to see Maisie, and I feel like she has taken a lot of the pain away”.

“I have a photo of Maisie and I together, and everyone remarks on it when they see it. So as long as you’re a dog lover, anyone would love Maisie’s company”.

Jackie, Maisie and this citizen are planning ahead to the summer, and are looking at going on some walks together once the weather picks up.

For more information on the Edge of Care service go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/volunteering/volunteering-with-edge-of-care.aspx