We’ve got a lot of dog lovers in our midst and so it’s with delight that we’ve once again sponsored the Pet Therapy Programme in Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin.

The programme arranges for a dog to come into the hospital once a week to visit the children and take their minds off their illness. It’s particularly welcomed by the kids who are missing their dogs at home.

The health benefits of pet therapy has been explored for several years and is used in many hospitals and care homes. The animals are all specially trained and are very gentle with the patients they’re visiting.

Last time we visited the hospital, we met a retriever called Max who has subsequently retired. This time, we met an adorable little Yorkshire Terrier named Buttons. We saw this little princess bring smiles to many kids’ faces.

During our visit, she was sitting on the bed of a little boy who was waiting for an operation. Petting Buttons was a lovely distraction for the boy and his parents at a stressful time.

Temple Street carries out amazing work every day. We’re proud to be associated with this very special place.

Sinead Gill, Taxback.com PR & Communications Manager, meets Buttons the dog