Patients can't wait as Jill makes her canine visits

The pair visit children and patients in the rehabilitation wards at Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital and St Richard's Hospital in Chichester.

They also call in to five residential homes for the elderly to brighten up the residents' days with affection and entertainment.

Retired racing greyhound Jill works as a Pets as Therapy dog. George (80) said he and Jill gelled straight away.

'She is such a loving and docile dog,' he explained, 'that I wanted to share her with the community. So, I decided to register her as a PAT dog.

'She is a big hit with the children in the hospital, as she loves nothing more than being made a fuss of.

'She never fails to make the patients laugh and she has so much love and affection to give.'

George got together with Jill after his beloved wife passed away. He knew he wanted to give a dog a home to provide him with a suitable companion.

He consulted a vet to find a suitable breed and discovered the Retired Greyhound Trust. The move suited Jill as well.

'The beautiful brindle animal wanted more out of life than putting her paws up on a sofa. Jenny Bunting, head of the Brighton RGT, said: 'It is well known that dogs are extremely therapeutic. With their gentle nature and friendly spirit, greyhounds in particular make ideal therapy dogs.

'Many people don't realise that greyhounds are very easy to care for because of their calm and affectionate nature. They're also low maintenance pets, inexpensive to feed and care for.'

The RGT's Brighton branch is on 01444 881788.