The bond between humans and animals is a powerful force, especially when it comes to the profound comfort and joy that dogs can bring. At the heart of this connection are dedicated individuals and their beloved canine companions, whose selfless contributions make a remarkable difference in the lives of many. Among the most cherished Wag Profiles within the Wag & Company community is the incredible duo of Jan Rayner and her delightful Toodle, Teddy. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of pet therapy, showcasing how genuine care, warmth, and a wagging tail can brighten even the toughest days. Jan, a seasoned volunteer with a passion for giving back, alongside Teddy, a naturally gentle and intuitive dog, exemplify the very essence of compassionate volunteering. Their journey highlights the significant impact that animal-assisted interventions have on emotional well-being, particularly for the isolated elderly and hardworking healthcare professionals.
Jan’s extensive background in volunteering, spanning over 45 years, primarily with large national charities, has shaped her philosophy: “If you volunteer for the right reasons you will always get back more than you give.” This mantra perfectly encapsulates the spirit she brings to her work with Wag & Company. Her other lifelong passion has been dogs, and five years ago, Teddy, an 8-week-old Tibetan Terrier/Poodle (Toodle), joined her family. From the outset, Teddy proved to be an extraordinary companion, possessing an innate gentleness and a remarkable ability to sense when someone is feeling lonely or sad. His intuitive nature makes him an ideal therapy dog, capable of offering solace and a sense of connection without words. It’s truly the great dog story of how a pet can enrich lives far beyond their immediate family.
A Perfect Match: Joining Wag & Company
The opportunity to join Wag & Company came through a friend, Mandy, who was already a volunteer with her own dog, Annie. Jan immediately recognized that this organization would be a perfect fit for her and Teddy. Although their initial plans to start volunteering in early 2020 were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, their dedication remained steadfast. They successfully completed their assessments in March 2022, ready to embark on their new mission. During discussions with Leanne, a pivotal moment arrived when they chose Edith’s story from the waiting list. For Jan, the name Edith resonated deeply, being that of her late mother-in-law, making the choice feel like a meaningful sign. This decision proved to be profoundly rewarding for all involved.
The Deep Bond with Edith: Companionship for Seniors
From their very first meeting, Jan and Edith formed an immediate connection, and Teddy instantly adored Edith. He quickly settled into a routine of comfort, often found nestled on the sofa beside her or curled up at her feet, offering a constant source of warmth and companionship. Edith, soon to be 90, lives with severe osteoporosis, limiting her outings mostly to shopping trips with her grandson, Christopher. Last year, she faced a significant health challenge, breaking eight ribs and spending two weeks in the hospital. The experience took a toll on both her physical and mental well-being for several months afterward. During this difficult period, Jan and Teddy increased their visits, offering crucial support.
One cherished memory Edith frequently recalled was her love for the beach, often expressing her sadness that she might never enjoy it again. Team Teddy, however, wouldn’t accept such a disheartening thought. A thoughtful plan was put into action to drive her along the coast in April. They enjoyed a lovely walk along Whitley Bay promenade, followed by a coffee overlooking the serene beach, before heading home. Edith was overjoyed by the experience, a simple yet profound joy enabled by their dedicated efforts. Since then, when the weather permits, they take short walks in the area where Edith used to walk her beloved Collie, Cameron, further rekindling fond memories and providing gentle exercise. This demonstrates the deep loyalty and bond a dog can inspire, much like the famous loyalty portrayed in a movie with dog named hachi.
Jan Rayner with Teddy the Toodle, offering comfort and companionship to an elderly woman
Spreading Joy: Pet Therapy at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
In April of this year, Diane from Wag & Company reached out to Jan and Teddy with an exciting new opportunity: visiting staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. Diane had been in discussions with the Gateshead NHS Trust about a partnership, expanding Wag & Company’s reach beyond community patient visits to include hospital wards and, crucially, staff support. The hospital staff had been surveyed about interventions that could help alleviate mental health and stress issues, and “friendship dogs” overwhelmingly topped the list.
Jan and Teddy embarked on their first hospital visit on May 9th, and the reception was astounding. They now visit every other Tuesday for approximately two hours, engaging with staff in various non-clinical departments. The welcome they receive is immense, with Teddy gaining celebrity status. The QE hospital even has a staff Facebook page where Teddy’s appearances are announced, allowing them to connect with over 200 staff members in a single session. Their favorite department to visit is Accident and Emergency, where they make a point of stopping during each visit. The staff there are often overwhelmed, and Teddy’s presence makes a significant difference, providing a much-needed moment of de-stressing and joy amidst their demanding roles. His calm demeanor and trained responses are a testament to what a good dog sitter trainer can achieve.
Teddy the Toodle receiving affection from Queen Elizabeth Hospital staff members
Teddy the Toodle interacting playfully with a hospital staff member in uniform
A Community Ambassador’s Vision: Expanding Wag’s Reach
Beyond their regular visits, Jan was recently honored and delighted to accept the role of Wag Community Ambassador for Newcastle and Gateshead. In this capacity, she and Teddy are working tirelessly to raise awareness about Wag & Company’s mission and impact. They are focused on extending fundraising efforts and involving as many dedicated volunteers as possible in these initiatives. Jan envisions exciting times ahead, believing that through collaborative efforts, they can secure the necessary funds year after year to continue their essential work within communities, touching lives and spreading happiness.
Reflecting on her journey, Jan expresses immense gratitude: “It has been an honour and a joy to be part of this unique charity and to meet all the fantastic, dedicated volunteers and staff who care so deeply for our isolated elderly community. Keep up the awesome work!” Her sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of Wag & Company and the profound positive change they bring about.
Conclusion
The compelling wag profiles of Jan Rayner and Teddy the Toodle serve as a powerful reminder of the incredible value that pet therapy brings to our communities. Their selfless dedication not only provides comfort and companionship to isolated elderly individuals like Edith but also offers vital mental health support to hardworking professionals in demanding environments, such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Through their gentle presence and unwavering love, Jan and Teddy embody the core mission of Wag & Company: to enrich lives, foster connections, and spread joy one wagging tail at a time. Their story is an inspiring call to action for anyone considering volunteering, illustrating how giving back can be an incredibly rewarding experience that truly delivers more than you give. Discover more incredible stories and learn how you can contribute to this wonderful cause.
