This article appeared in the September issue of Dogs Today in the Letters Page.

This is my little Cavalier Spaniel Shona, who turned three in April, pictured with her friend Flick the Guinea pig. I am so proud of her. We do voluntary work with Therapet and visit two care homes where a lot of the residents suffer from different degrees of Dementia. The pleasure and comfort the residents get from Shona sitting on their knee, giving them cuddles, are a joy to see. Shona laps up all the attention and is so well behaved and patient. The staff also love her and like to get their "Shona fix" by having a cuddle. When my darling Mum passed away, it was Shona that kept me going. I had her to look after and she gives me so much love and comfort - she is my best buddy! I've been so lucky to share my life with Sheila, Meg, Kerry, Penny and Shona all very much loved. I have been a reader of your magazine since the start and look forward to it each month. Keep up the good work- you have a brilliant and very informative magazine. Mairi Sheridan

"Mairi Sheridan has been visiting with her "Therapet Shona" at Cumbernauld Care Home and Rannoch House since October 2009."