Here at the Trust we really enjoy receiving updates from the charities we support. The report from Our Special Friends focused on the benefits of animal companionship and was a real heart-warmer.

Based in Suffolk, the charity supports people struggling with a range of situations, including bereavement, illness and other crises. They do this by giving people access to animal companionship. This could be anything from practical help with existing pets to pairing people up with new animal companions. Or simply brightening up someone’s day with a visit from a pet.

Since it’s formation, it has dealt with over a thousand cases. It relies entirely on donations.

“People say I’ve got my sparkle back. The dogs just make SUCH a difference.”

Part of OSF’s work involves rehoming pets whose owners can no longer care for them. A typical case is that of Daphne (right) who’d suffered from depression following the death of her beloved Cocker Spaniel two years ago. She desperately missed the company of a dog. Thanks to OSF, she was matched up with two Shih Tzus whose owner could no longer care for them due to illness. It has clearly changed her life.

Read the full story, here

Read more news stories, here