Volunteering is a great way to give back to our communities, connect with others, and make a real difference in people's lives. At Kaplan, we love hearing how our colleagues use their dedicated volunteering hours to contribute to causes close to their hearts.
Alison Eynon, one of our Academic Support tutors, shared her story of volunteering with her pet dog, Cookie, as they brought comfort and joy to children at Birmingham Children's Hospital. From cuddles to wagging tails, they've left a lasting impact on young patients and their families.
Bringing smiles to the Renal Ward
Alison and Cookie volunteer in Ward 1, the Renal Ward, where children often undergo dialysis treatments that can take around four hours, as they are awaiting kidney transplants. Sitting still for that long can be challenging for anyone, but it's even harder for a child.
That's where Cookie comes in. Alison's three-year-old Maltipoo offers more than soft fur and adorable spins. With her calm and loving temperament, Cookie brings relief, joy, and distraction to the children and their parents. Alison explains, "One cuddle from Cookie can brighten their whole day. It's amazing to see their smiles during such a difficult time."
What makes Cookie the perfect therapy dog?
Cookie is a natural-born therapy dog with a gentle personality and a knack for reading emotions. Once she started puppy training from an early age, it was clear that Cookie was special, as she was instinctive, caring, and desperate to please, so she had everything it took to connect with all people and make them smile. Her calm demeanour means that she's happy anywhere she goes, allowing her to comfort even those apprehensive of dogs.
How Alison and Cookie began volunteering
Alison and Cookie volunteer through the charity Pets as Therapy, which connects therapy dogs with placements in schools, hospitals, and care homes. While their initial search for a placement was challenging due to outdated databases, the children's hospital sent a one-off request, and Alison immediately jumped at the opportunity.
After collaborating with the hospital's volunteer coordinator, they joined the Renal Ward, where they have been spreading positivity every week.
The impact of Cookie's cuddles
For children undergoing dialysis, Cookie's visits provide a welcome change of pace. Many young patients spend hours hooked up to machines and tubes, so they find entertainment through tablets or card games. A visit from Cookie breaks up their day and gives them something special to talk about and cherish.
During each visit, Alison ensures that all children can get involved by letting them give Cookie a treat, which also makes Cookie very happy. For children and parents who are wary of dogs, Alison lets them feel how soft Cookie is, which often leads to cuddles.
Reflecting on how Cookie's visits impact the ward, Alison explained:
"When this happens, you can see the pain and sadness clear from their faces for a short while. It's almost a relief for the parents to see that smile and to bring one for them, too - the relief Cookie brings has also caused the parents to cry.
It's draining for the parents to spend all day sitting beside a hospital bed whilst their child is in pain and covered in tubes. One cuddle can brighten their whole day."
What volunteering has taught Alison
"These parents are amazing," Alison says. "We're just happy to bring them a little love in such a tough situation."
Alison's time in the Renal Ward has given her a deeper insight into how different some people's lives can be and the resilience of families facing medical hardships. She has witnessed the immense strength of parents juggling the emotional and physical toll of caring for their children in the hospital, worrying about other children at home, and feeling like their children's lives have been put on hold while they await a transplant. In addition to this, it is common for transplants to come from within the family, which leads to added pressures on who will donate an organ and undergo a serious operation.
Alison commented: "These parents are amazing. We're just happy to bring them a little bit of love in this situation."
How you can make a difference
If Alison and Cookie's volunteering story inspires you, there are plenty of ways you can get involved and make a difference, even if you don't have a canine companion! Birmingham Children's Hospital has a thriving volunteer department with roles ranging from administrative help to patient support.
Most hospitals have a volunteer section on their websites where you can find opportunities that match your skills and availability. Whether you're making teas, chatting with patients, or helping visitors find their way, your time can make a difference in someone's day.
Final thoughts
Alison and Cookie demonstrate the incredible power of volunteering. Their weekly visits remind us how small gestures, like a cuddle or a wagging tail, can profoundly impact our lives.
Check out opportunities in your area to learn more about volunteering, or sign up to give back yourself. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.