For Oliver and his family, Wednesdays have taken on a special meaning. What was once just the middle of the week is now something to look forward to – precious time spent with our therapy dog service, where calm moments, happy memories and meaningful connections have become part of family life. Through personalised support built around Oliver’s needs, these sessions have created space for him to slow down, enjoy himself and simply be himself.

About Oliver

Oliver is eleven years old and, in his mum Michelle’s words, is “a very outgoing, lively little boy” who is “always happy and lively and always on the go.” He lives with a learning disability, ADHD and epilepsy, and while his energy and personality light up the room, daily life can also bring challenges. Michelle explains that his ADHD and hyperactivity can make it harder for him to concentrate, regulate his pace and find those moments of stillness that many families can take for granted.

Accessing Support from Caremark

Michelle first heard about therapy dog support through a neighbour, who suggested it could be a wonderful fit for Oliver. At the time, that idea seemed a little different because Michelle says historically, she had a fear of dogs. But because Oliver had always loved them, she decided to explore it and as a result it has changed her too. From the start, Caremark made the experience feel approachable and flexible, shaping sessions around Oliver and what would help him feel most comfortable, whether that was at home, out in the community or on the beach.

How the Sessions Work

Oliver has an hour-long session every Wednesday after school and it has become a treasured part of his routine. Some days are spent walking in a field; on others, Oliver heads to the beach, one of his favourite places, where the dogs can run freely and he can throw the ball for them. Over time, Liam became Oliver’s main carer (he is also a therapy doh handler and Mabel became the dog he saw most often. Together, they have become familiar, trusted faces in his week. As Michelle puts it: “It would be strange to imagine a Wednesday without it now.”

The support has now been part of Oliver’s life for just over a year, and its value is felt far beyond the hour itself. Michelle describes it as “definitely money well spent,” not only because Oliver enjoys it so much, but because of the calm, reassurance and consistency it brings to him and to the whole family.

The Impact on Oliver

Michelle is clear about the difference the sessions make, adding: “It definitely calms Oliver and he gets a lot from it.”

For a child whose thoughts and energy can so often race ahead, time with the dogs offers something wonderfully simple – a chance to pause, feel grounded and enjoy the moment. Those quieter moments matter, and for Oliver they have become an important part of feeling settled and secure.

Michelle explains that Oliver’s ADHD makes it difficult to concentrate or regulate his energy. What makes the therapy dog sessions so powerful is that they meet him on his terms. Rather than asking him to fit into a rigid structure, the dogs and their handler help create an environment where he can relax naturally, channel his energy positively and experience a gentler pace.

Over time, Michelle has seen Oliver change in subtle but meaningful ways. She says the experience has helped him become “more gentle and definitely calmer.” Through time spent with the dogs, he has learned how to approach them more carefully, respond more softly and build confidence through kindness and trust.

One of the most moving parts of Oliver’s story is the bond he has built with Mabel and with Liam. Michelle says: “It’s nice to see him having that kind of relationship with Mabel and Liam because connecting with others can sometimes be difficult for him.”

In that space, Oliver has found companionship without pressure and connection without judgement — the kind of relationship that helps trust and confidence grow in a natural, lasting way.

The impact has been felt by the whole family too. Michelle says she has even overcome her own fear of dogs as well,” something she never expected when Oliver’s sessions first began. It is a lovely reflection of the trust, warmth and reassurance Caremark’s team has brought into their lives — support that has helped not just Oliver, but those around him too.

Oliver’s story is a powerful example of how personalised therapy dog support can make a real difference. With Caremark, Liam and Mabel by his side, he has found calm, joy, routine and connection in a way that feels natural to him. For Michelle, the change has been clear – what began as a simple idea has become a cherished part of weekly life. It is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful support starts with trust, patience and a wagging tail!

About our dog therapy service

Unlike other animal therapy services, the Caremark Redcar & Cleveland dog therapy service involves trained and experienced Care Assistants who have also been trained as dog handlers. This ensures continuity of care. Please check our dog therapy services in Redcar and Cleveland or contact Caremark Redcar & Cleveland if you are interested in finding out how dog therapy could help you, or your organisation.