Met my first PAT dog today

My SiL has Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and is in hospital quite poorly at the moment.
I visited her today and during the afternoon a dear little yellow Labrador appeared at the door to her room.
She was a 16 week old guide dog puppy and PAT dog.
My SiL is not particularly a dog lover but did enjoy the visit.
Me, I was in 7th heaven So friendly and so well behaved. She showed us all her tricks and the walker told us all about Guide dogs and their training.
It brightened an otherwise harrowing afternoon

I am so sorry your SiL is so poorly at the moment. I do hope she starts to recover soon.

PAT dogs are marvellous aren't they and can't fail to bring a smile to your face even if you feel really ill. A 16 week old yellow lab must have made everyone smile. As for guide dogs, well they are invaluable and it never fails to amaze me how clever they are.

Thanks Sue, hopefully she is winning.
The dog, Ribbon, was just adorable. I really would have loved to bring her home with me

Sorry to hear your SIL is ill, fingers crossed x

I think that these visits from PAT dogs make huge difference and bring a bit of happiness with them.

I am afraid PAT dogs do not accept potential candidates until the dog is at least 9 months old.....

From the PAT website:

Q. My puppy is 4 months old and perfect, why do I have to wait until she is 9 months?

A. Although many puppies appear to be suitable as a PAT dog, most of them go through a period of adolescence. We like our PAT dogs to have enjoyed their puppy hood before they are expected to work.

I am a PAT Temperament Assessor

I thought this too.
I've had experience of PAT dogs from both sides and know how much it means to get a visit. But Im suprised to find one so young as I too was under the impression they had to be 9 months?
Must have put a massive smile on your SIL's face though!

I'm sure it did, and I hope it made your SiL feel happier, sending you both best wishes, hope she can get better soon.

But it was in a Guide Dog trainning scheme so I just assumed that she was a potential PAT dog, or maybe there are several PAT charities and entry age varies.

Not that bothered myself - the fact is Nippys SiL benefited from the visit, that's what matters.

I strongly suspect that the GDBA are visiting as a Guide Dog puppy walker, nothing to do with PAT, but killing two birds with one stone; vital socialisation with pup and bringing joy to others.

I can only speak on behalf of PAT (Pets as Therapy) organisation; not what other therapy dog organisations do.

Sorry to hear about your SIL hun xxxx

The PAT dog sounds adorable, how lovely for you and your SIL xxxxxxxxxxxxx