A heroic pooch is being recognised with a special award after helping to teach prison inmates and school children how to read. George the therapy dog is being awarded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the House of Lords today, on October 18, in recognition of his work in prisons.
The five-year-old cocker spaniel is part of the Reading to Dogs scheme, which is designed to help men with low self-esteem learn to read. George sits next to them and listens patiently, giving them the encouragement they need to progress. The canine's calming nature brings out a "different side of people" and helps to nurture positive behaviours.
George works alongside his owner Robbie Durgan, 58, from Skelmersdale, and shared handler Aimee Jones, 37, to visit prison inmates and unwell patients.
With the more challenging prisoners at HMP Liverpool, a promise of a visit from George to perform tricks and play games acts as an incentive to maintain good behaviour.
At the same prison, George has worked with four cases of palliative care, and has provided dying patients and their families with much-needed cuddles.
In some cases, he was there until the final moments, and Robbie noticed that George would visibly grieve when each one passed.
Robbie, a Governor at Buckley Hall Prison, said: "George's role is so often about listening to people read, and what makes him so special, is that he listens intently – without correction or judgement.
"His calming nature offers so much encouragement, bringing out a different side of people and nurturing positive behaviours.
"We are always told; he is a great listener. George is often the highlight of people's days.
"He makes a big difference and touches many lives – I am so happy for him that his hard work has been recognised."
Despite being such a busy boy, the heroic dog finds time to visit an infant and nursery school in Warrington every month, where he listens to children aged four to eight read.
James Sawyer, UK Director of IFAW, said: "When we heard about George, we were so impressed how just one dog, can do so much to help people from all walks of life improve their situation, within the local community.
"George truly is a remarkable dog, and his work with both Robbie and Aimee shows how animals can have a truly positive impact on people. George is a very worthy winner of IFAW'S Animal of the Year Award."
When George is off duty, he enjoys going on walks, using his nose to guide his path, play with other dogs, camping, swimming and visiting the beach.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
