Two hero hounds received prestigious awards at the House of Lords Jasper supports traumatised NHS COVID-19 staff while Bear rescues injured koalas
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wo very special dogs were stars of the show at the House of Lords recently when they were honoured by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for their heroic work helping humans and wildlife. While Lancashire therapy dog Jasper was recognised for supporting hundreds of NHS staff working through the COVID-19 pandemic, koala detection dog Bear was also awarded for his work, on the other side of the world in Australia, where he helps locate injured and sick koalas in need of rescue. Six-year-old cockapoo Jasper, along with owner David Anderson (46), from Preston, a hospital chaplain and counsellor, works with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust to support more than 9,000 staff across the Trust’s acute and community hospitals, including Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital and Burnley General Teaching Hospital. Before the pandemic Jasper had accompanied David to visit patients undergoing end of life care, as well as those suffering a mental health crisis. He has also worked with physiotherapists assisting patients affected by strokes, with patients encouraged to stroke Jasper as part of their therapy. When COVID-19 hit, with Blackburn one of the worst affected areas in the country, Jasper was no longer able to visit the wards and initially had to stay at home. However, with the huge strain placed on staff working through the
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Jasper with his award
darkest days of the pandemic, David soon realised there was a need for Jasper, as well as himself, to provide inperson support to hospital staff. David set up opportunities for them to spend time with Jasper either one on one or in small groups through his
‘Conversations with Jasper’ sessions which proved to be hugely popular, with more than 1,000 staff taking part. Jasper spends at least two full days a week in the Trust’s hospitals and his role will continue to help support staff, though he is now allowed to visit
