A Border Collie who lost an eye when he was a puppy now provides inspiration to the sick and terminally ill.
Jack, who lost an eye in an accident when he was just five weeks old, was spotted on Facebook by current owner Judith Hulse.
Judith then began taking Jack into a care home to see her mum, and noticed how well patients responded to the one-eyed dog.
They have been together since Jack was just 10- weeks old. He is now eight and has been a therapy dog since August 2018.
Jack is registered with Wirral-based charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide.
Jack and Judith visit a number of wards at Southport Hospital including intensive care, the specialist spinal injuries unit and Queenscourt Hospice.
Jack also appeared on the final of the BBC1 show Perfect Pooch, and has his own Facebook page ‘One Eyed Jack Daniels ’ with 14,000 followers.
Judith said : ‘“Jack has always had a natural ability to cheer people up whatever their situation. Because he only has one eye, it is an easy conversation starter and children especially warm to him straight away which is great if they have sick relatives in the hospice or hospital.
"I first started taking him into my mum’s care home and saw how people 'came alive' when they met him. I knew he would be great in a hospital environment which is why I became a volunteer at Queenscourt Hospice first and then Southport Hospital.
“Honestly the best thing about volunteering is the smiles on people’s faces when they interact with Jack, the way they relax and tell me about their pets at home or the ones they have lost. Lots of times people have stopped me in the hospital corridor and asked if they could say hello to him.
" I like to think that may have just relaxed them before they went for an appointment they were worried about. Also, it’s just nice for me to be able to volunteer with my dog, it's good mental stimulation for him and we both get a lot of pleasure being volunteers.”
