Our wonderful therapy dogs

One of our wonderful therapy dogs led the funeral procession of a woman who adored him. As a further tribute to her, we have named our newest dog in her honour.

Susan Malcomson was supported by Caremark Redcar and Cleveland. She formed a remarkable bond with Chance, one of the company’s CareBark therapy dogs.

When Susan passed away earlier this year, Chance was given the honour of leading her coffin into the crematorium. It was a final walk together that captured the love they shared.

Susan’s family – she has four children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild – were so touched by the gesture. As a result, they raised £100 in collections at the funeral and gave that to Caremark to put towards the purchase of its latest therapy dog.

The silver Labrador is called Star, but her Kennel Club name is Suzie’s Star, in honour of Susan.

Susan found a new sense of purpose

Susan’s daughter, Heather Malcomson, says the relationship between her mum and Chance brought happiness and comfort during some difficult years. This was when she was in and out of hospital, nursing homes and supported living schemes.

It was at a scheme in Marske when Susan, who is originally from Loftus, was first introduced to Chance.

Before Chance came along, Susan rarely went out. But with his weekly visits, she found a new sense of purpose. Care staff watched as she slowly began venturing outside again, often in her wheelchair, with Chance walking faithfully beside her.

“She absolutely adored Chance,” Heather said.

“He was her whole world. It was Chance this, Chance that — he really was her boy.

“He gave her something to look forward to. She loved watching him run for the ball and she talked about him all the time.”

In a poignant twist, Susan passed away on 31st January, which also happened to be Chance’s fourth birthday.

The day before she died, Chance was taken into hospital to see her. Moreover, photographs show him resting his head gently by her side, a moment Heather says means more to her than words can describe.

A special connection between dog and human

When it came time to say goodbye, Heather knew exactly what her mum would have wanted.

“I asked if Chance could walk Mum into the service — one last walk together,” she said.

“It felt right. It was such a fitting way for her journey to end.”

At the funeral, family and friends watched silently as Chance led the way, calm and loyal until the very end.

“She spent the last years of her life with a dog she truly loved,” Heather added.

“Having Chance there meant everything.”

Heather says the family are touched that Caremark have registered their new dog in Susan’s name. This means her legacy will live on through her and, of course, Chance.

“Knowing Mum’s name will live on through helping other people is incredibly special,” says Heather.

Once trained, the addition of Star to the dog therapy team will bring the number of dogs in the service to 14. Of these, 11 are owned by Caremark Managing Director Michelle Jackson, who has the idea to set up the service.

Michelle said: “We’ve never seen such a connection between a dog and a human than we did with Chance and Susan – it was very special.

“We were so touched when Susan’s family raised the money for us and we are delighted and privileged to have been able to name our new dog in her honour.

“Susan is a great example of how our therapy dogs are changing lives and making such a positive impact on people in our local communities.”

About Caremark Redcar and Cleveland

If you would like to find out more about our dog therapy service or any of our home care services please get in touch on 01287 634706.