Celebrating Volunteers' Week, today we chat to Chris Lovelock from Wiltshire, who visits a school and a care home with her Labrador Brock. 

PAT Volunteer Chris tells us more about her wonderful PAT Dog. “Brock is a withdrawn Guide Dog, unable to do that work due to mild hip dysplasia. We raised him as a pup, and he came back to us as a pet. Because of his breeding and training we had a beautiful, friendly dog who was happy to share his love with everyone."

Chris explains more about why she loves volunteering. "Life can be tough for a lot of people, from children to the elderly. We might not be able to solve their problems, but we can give them time where they can put those problems to the back of the mind for a while and remember some happy times. 

"Volunteering with PAT is not just about the joy you give to others. It’s the joy you get from helping someone in need. I love meeting and chatting to people. Now being retired it is so easy to stay in and not see people. This gives me so much joy, engaging with people.”