POORLY patients are being perked up by a pooch thanks to a new health care initiative.

Staff on Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Hergest Psychiatric Unit have hailed a special four legged friend who has been melting the hearts of patients and helping to dramatically improve their mental health.

Adorable eight-year-old Samoyed, Max, and his owner, Paul Alexander, make weekly visits to the 40-bedded mental health unit in an effort to cheer up patients. The retired businessman from Anglesey volunteers his time under a scheme run by the Therapy Dogs Nationwide charity.

The visits have been widely praised by staff for leading to dramatic improvements in patients’ mood, self-esteem and willingness to engage with others.

“It’s been quite incredible to see the development in our patients’ mental health after a visit from Max,” explained activity nurse, Catrin Roberts.

“Therapy dog visits can have a huge impact on people with mental health problems, particularly those with anxiety, depression and dementia.

"There is clear evidence that contact with dogs can lower heart rate, reduce anxiety and improve mood. When people come into hospital they can lose a lot of the tactile everyday physical contact with people, so being able to stroke and pet a soft cuddly dog can have a really calming effect on them."

Read the full story in this Thursday’s north editions of the Cambrian News