Castle Point hounds are queuing up to audition for roles as therapy dogs, thanks to an Evening Echo appeal.

The borough's volunteer bureau was inundated with calls from dog owners wanting to put their hounds forward for the honour.

Every day dogs known as pat dogs - which stands for Pets as Therapy - are taken to hospitals or hospices to brighten the lives of the sick and the dying.

Sue Squire, local pat dog co-ordinator said: "When you take a dog into a hospital or an old people's home you can see people's faces brighten up. Dogs make people happy."

Any dog is suitable to become a pat dog as long as it is not vicious

For more information contact the volunteer bureau on 01268 638416.

Published Thursday October 17, 2002

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