Therapy husky brings puppy love to Sheffield rehab patients

Clients at a Sheffield rehab facility have experienced some puppy love thanks to a visit from Therapy Huskies.
By Alana Roberts
Published 18th Mar 2020, 06:00 BST
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Those who use the facilities at STEPS Rehabilitation, in Millhouses, met Thunder the therapy husky last week after the centre won the opportunity courtesy of Local Care Force.

Three healthcare providers, including STEPS, were chosen to receive a visit from the four-legged healthcare helpers following a competition run by Local Care Force, a Sheffield agency which specialises in the nursing, social, and healthcare industries.

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L-R: Sheridan Finley, Senior Relationship Manager at Local Care Force, Thunder the therapy husky, Jade (client at STEPS) Jules Leahy, Founder & Business Development Director at STEPSL-R: Sheridan Finley, Senior Relationship Manager at Local Care Force, Thunder the therapy husky, Jade (client at STEPS) Jules Leahy, Founder & Business Development Director at STEPS
L-R: Sheridan Finley, Senior Relationship Manager at Local Care Force, Thunder the therapy husky, Jade (client at STEPS) Jules Leahy, Founder & Business Development Director at STEPS
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Therapy dogs are proven to have major benefits for mental and physical health, such as decreasing isolation and depression, and helping motivate clients to recover faster.

Leanne Silverwood, Managing Director at Local Care Force, said: “We felt that the human and animal interaction would provide a positive and memorable experience for those who receive support at STEPS and are thrilled to have arranged this special visit for them.

“Innovation and the provision of additional services in the care industry really is vital when it comes to improving the lives of those who use such services, and at Local Care Force, we always try to go the extra mile to put the needs of the people we support first. “

STEPS offers residential and day rehabilitation for those with neurological conditions, stroke, spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, orthopaedic and other complex trauma injuries.

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Business Development Director Jules Leahy, a founder of STEPS, said: "We see firsthand the positive and powerful impact that animal therapy has on our clients. We have a mix of clients with serious injuries and neurological conditions at STEPS and animal therapy alongside the range of therapies and treatments we offer, really helps our clients.

“We have had ponies, reptiles and even a duck visit us over the last year, but Thunder is undoubtedly the cuddliest!"

Therapy Huskies is a Barnsley-based organisation comprising of four Siberian huskies called Stormy, Thunder, Thor and Binny Boo.

Adrian Ashworth from Therapy Huskies said: “We were delighted to be able to bring Thunder our Therapy Husky along to STEPS today to meet the clients. Working in partnership with forward-thinking care providers such as Local Care Force is really important to help us raise and spread awareness of the many benefits the dogs can bring.”

For more information visit www.localcareforce.co.uk and www.therapyhuskies.co.uk.

Related topics:Sheffield