On World Animal Day we are shining a light on Bella the Cavachon, whose life is dedicated to making Demelza families smile in her role as a therapy dog. Bella’s owners Janet and David recognised that from a pup, Bella had a lot of love to give.

On the 24 August 2022, a litter of Cavachon puppies (Cavalier cross Bichon) came into the world and amongst these was a very special little dog called Bella. Bella knew that she was no ordinary pup and that she was destined for great things.

Owners, Janet and David, brought her over from Wales when she was eight weeks old and they knew she had a lot of love to give. “The vet said to us, have you thought of having this puppy as a therapy dog? We very rarely have such a gentle, kind and steady puppy come in here,” said Janet. This planted a seed in their minds and started them on this wonderful journey.

Once she was a year-old, Janet and David decided they would do exactly that and they knew the one place they wanted Bella to provide therapy was Demelza. Janet and David have seen and experienced the great things that dogs can do at Great Ormand Street, where their granddaughter receives care. Having visited some of Demelza’s charity shops and seeing the signs into the site they knew it would be the perfect place for Bella to spread her love.

To become registered Bella underwent an assessment with Pets As Therapy (PAT) where she had to prove she was a well-rounded and stable dog. Some of the tests included lead walking, interacting with strangers, taking treats nicely and overall being very gentle. Bella passed with flying colours and Demelza was delighted to welcome her to the team.

“Bella loves going to Demelza. We arrive and she looks out the back of the window of the car and she jumps down and disappears in the front door with us trailing behind her. It does not matter who it is, or what it is, Bella will be there for them.”

Bella is a regular visitor at Demelza and is often requested by children when they come to the site. Every meet is different and Bella offers her support in lots of ways depending on the child or young person’s circumstances. This may involve walking in the gardens, cuddling on the sofa or being whisked away on the lap of a child in a wheelchair - Bella does it all.

“She never holds back. Bella will stand there and wait for the child to decide. If it is a child that is in a bed or a chair, we will hold her up so she can see them and be with them. Everybody is Bella’s friend.”

Thank you, Janet and David for all that you do for Demelza and a special shoutout to Bella for the difference she makes to so many children’s lives. “David and I get an enormous amount of pleasure and fulfilment from it and it is just wonderful to see the children look and smile or interact with her. You just think, yes, this is what dogs do for people.”

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