Oban's first Pets As Therapy dog Skye is having a paw-sitive impact

This wee waggy friend and  owner Ian Dyer have signed up with national charity Pets  As Therapy and are ready to go out on visits, bringing joy and comfort, sharing companionship.

Skye was re-homed with Ian and his husband Brian, who live in Quarry Road ten months ago after their last dog Parson, also a therapy pet, passed away.

"We got him just two weeks after we lost Parson. We just fell for him as soon as we saw him and he helped heal our grieving. It’s almost as though Parson had a heavenly word with him and asked him to carry on his legacy, bringing comfort and instant magic to anyone needing a boost.

"Skye has such a lovely  temperament. He has an instant magic about him and melts hearts wherever he goes. He’s the perfect therapist!" said Ian.

To become an official Pets As Therapy animal, there are a series of checks and assessments that have to be passed first - Skye passed with flying colours of course.

Ian and Skye are building up contacts and possible places to visit and have already been to Lorn & The Islands Hospital as well as a care home in Helensburgh.

"We hope to become familiar faces up at the hospital soon and visit other care homes. We’ve been to see the Dementia Resource Centre in town who are keen to have visits from us too," said Ian.

Ian and Bryan have also offered to take Skye to visit congregation who can not make services at Oban and Kilmore Parish Church where they both worship.

"I  think Skye is possibly the first Pets As Therapy dog in Oban, it would be lovely to get more volunteers to join us and over on Mull as well," added Ian.

Interested in becoming a volunteer or having a visit from Skye and Ian, go online to  petsastherapy.org/