A special dog who has cheered up thousands of ill children in hospital is ending his service after more than eight years.
Alfie the pug has been a familiar face at Manchester Children’s Hospital since 2016. Now at 10 years old – about 70 in human years – it’s time for him to stop his work for good.
He has brought smiles to many sick children with his hugs and cuddles, even helping comfort some kids hurt in the Manchester Arena attack.
Dr Suzy Emsden, who owns Alfie, says his job at the hospital has been crucial.
“It was really special to help after [the Manchester Arena attack],” she said. “He won’t try to tell you it’s all fine, he won’t try to explain things, he’ll just be there with you in that moment.”
She added: “You can see his fur is getting grey now, he’s aging, his hearing isn’t as good anymore and he’s ready to enjoy some retirement years now.”
Kids have enjoyed Alfie’s love and company since he was young – he’s so well-liked that a former patient came back for one last hug.
Abigail Frechou said: “I was here getting cancer treatment and having Alfie around helped because I have pets at home and I missed them. When Alfie would just hop on my bed it would make me happy.”
Her mom Ellie added: “It was great to see her smile, she used to say he was the best part of treatment.”
Another patient, Stephen, also loves when Alfie visits. “Stephen had bleeding in his brain, then he had a brain spasm which caused a stroke,” his mom Carla Hibbet said. “The dog makes him smile and brightens his day. It feels normal because we have a dog at home that Stephen hasn’t been able to see.”
