A cuddle from former Hollyoaks and Strictly star Gemma Atkinson is rewarded by a wagging tail from new arrival Nico.
The actress is championing an animal sanctuary’s “Cuddle Club” to help teach rescue dogs how to be loved again. Staff at the pioneering centre say plenty of affection, treats and tickles are all valuable therapy when getting pooches ready to be re-homed.
The club, which started three months ago, has already boosted their success rate in re-homing dogs that would have taken much longer to be ready to move in with a family. And the sanctuary’s volunteers say it is the highlight of their week.
Gemma, 39, who, with her daughter Mia,4, is a familiar face at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, in Edenfield, Lancs, says: “I don’t think there is any better therapy than cuddling an animal.
“And for dogs who are struggling to interact it’s vital. In some cases, we don’t know the dog’s background, but we can tell it’s going to take a lot of time to trust again, so the fact they do it at their own pace with Cuddle Club is an amazing idea.
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“It’s therapy for the dogs and the volunteers. It works for everyone involved.” A visitor since childhood, Gemma adds: “There’s a much better chance of a dog being re-homed if it’s enjoyed Cuddle Club and, ultimately, that’s what we want to see.”
Gemma is president of Bleakholt where dogs who are too old or nervous to go on walks get cuddles instead (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
A Cuddle Club volunteer at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)A dog called Rusty, who didn’t like going for walks, but loved being cuddled, inspired the club, after staff member Sarah Neild appealed for volunteers to spend time with him.
Lorraine Cowie, 47, who was one of the first volunteers, says: “It’s just as good for my mental health as it is for theirs. They can be very timid, with their tails between their legs. But once they get to know you, they see you coming and their tails start wagging. It’s wonderful.”
The special cuddle room is set up like a family living room, with a sofa, toys and treats, to get dogs more used to a home environment after spending time in the kennels. Staff member Jane Doody, 51, says: “Having a cuddle makes a massive difference, especially to dogs that have been with us for a long time.
“As much as we try to give the dogs love and attention, we are spread thin, so the work the Cuddle Club volunteers do is invaluable. If dogs have been used to a home environment and end up here, it can cause them depression. It doesn’t matter whether a dog is young or old, they all need love. The club also teaches us about the dog’s personality, how they react to people and, therefore, what kind of home would suit them.”
Studies have found cuddling promotes the release of the happiness hormone oxytocin in humans and animals. Giving Staffie cross Rocco a tummy rub, volunteer Samantha Morris, 50, says: “It is very therapeutic. You have to be guided by the dog, but most of them love cuddles. It is so rewarding, especially when one of the dogs you have done Cuddle Club with gets re-homed.”
And Cuddle Club could soon have another celebrity volunteer – Lioness Keira Walsh – who has become a new ambassador. Rochdale-born Barcelona midfielder Keira, 26, who won Euro 22 with England, says: “The sanctuary holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been visiting since I was a child. I believe in giving every creature a second chance.”
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