Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

A charity with strong north west links has launched a competition to find the perfect ‘ambassadog’.

Healthcare charity Sue Ryder which has a neurological care centre in Fulwood, Preston, has partnered with Pets As Therapy to launch a nationwide search for the paw-fect canine companions to carry out important duties at the charity’s neurological care centres, hospices, and palliative care hubs across the UK.

For people living with a complex neurological condition or acquired brain injury, or a terminal diagnosis, Sue Ryder believes that the unconditional love of a dog can provide companionship, relieve stress and bring joy.

A panel of dog-loving celebrity judges will select the next therapy pooch for each of Sue Ryder’s neurological care centres and hospices across the UK, including actress Carley Stenson, from Billinge, near Wigan.

Actress Carley Stenson, from Billinge, near Wigan, with her dogs. Carley is on the celebrity judging panel which will choose 11 dogs nationwide to become therapy pets for Sue Ryder, including the charity's centre in Fulwood, Preston

Meet Lancashire Constabulary's cutest recruits - 8 photos of dog and puppy polic...

“Dogs bring such joy and I can’t imagine being without my Barney and Bailey. I am incredibly excited to be working with Sue Ryder to help highlight the benefits of regular visits from pets as therapy dogs to their patients.”

The four-legged recruits and their owners will be expected to volunteer a minimum of two hours a month to visit the Sue Ryder neurological Care Centre, Lancashire, to provide puppy love and furry cuddles with the hope of brightening the days of Sue Ryder’s clients, residents and staff.

Each dog will be assessed to make sure they fit the Pets As Therapy temperament assessment and are sociable, friendly, calm and gentle enough to work with Sue Ryder’s patients, who are living with neurological condtions or terminal illness.

To find out if your loyal companion has what it takes to be a Sue Ryder therapy dog, view the job description online by visiting www.sueryder.org/Ambassadog. Nominations must be in by May 21, 2021.

Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Here's how your dog could be the 'paw-fect' companion for healthcare charity