An animal sanctuary is trying to help lonely or depressed people by offering cuddle therapy sessions.
Groups of up to six people at a time can book socially-distanced “snuggles with special needs dogs” slots at Glendrick Roost Animal Welfare Centre in Aberfoyle, Perthshire.
All the dogs were rescued by animal lover and centre manager Mione Morrison after they were abandoned or discarded due to their disabilities or illnesses.
The avid reader, 69, has given them all names from famous books and films such as Yoda, Gandalf, Hobbit, Munchkin and Gizmo.
She said: “The snuggle experiences are going really well and it brings me joy to see people’s faces light up when they see the dogs and cuddle them. The dogs love it too, so it’s a win-win.
“It good for people with depression or who have struggled in the pandemic as animals don’t demand, they just give.
“Some of the dogs have cancer, some are blind or have epilepsy or heart defects but even though they all have problems, none of them are sick as such. I don’t use conventional medicine and instead treat them with CBD oil, turmeric, reiki and, most of all, loving care.
“Many of them have lived longer than they were supposed to. Ruby Lu, for instance, was discarded by her adoptive owners after being diagnosed with terminal mammary cancer in 2017. She was to go back into her concrete kennel and die alone. I said she could come to us. Four years later, she’s still here and she’s such a happy girl.”
Other “snuggle” dogs include Hobbit the hound, who was found blind and starving in the mountains and Bear the Chow Chow, who was rejected by her adopter because she had cancer.
Mione said: “All the dogs have their own stories. I am just pleased they have a happy ending. I have always believed all creatures should be respected and looked after. All they need is love.”
Heather Murray, from Drumchapel, booked a cuddle session for her daughter, Chloe, six, to help her overcome her nervousness of dogs.
Heather said: “We had an amazing afternoon cuddling them all. We both left covered in puppy hair and big smiles on our faces. We will definitely be going back soon.”
Nicola Campbell, from Glasgow, visited with her two boys, Corey, 10 and Finn, 14.
She said: “All the dogs are so special and we were in awe hearing their stories from Mione.
“We absolutely loved our visit and will definitely be back for more snuggles.”
Mione does not receive any government funding and often has to use her pension to help fund the centre.
