A DOG from Rudheath has been comforting canine lovers young and old.

Golden retriever Omar, has been specially trained to Pets as Therapy (PATS) standards.

Omar works alongside his owner, Debra Philips, to provide comfort and companionship by allowing people to stroke him.

The dog is based at Heathbrook independent living apartments in Rudheath, where Debra is house manager. Omar often visits Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s other independent living homes, including Fountain Court and Oakwood House. He has also helped at St Luke’s Hospice and at schools throughout Vale Royal.

Omar is so popular that he has been entered for a national PAT award.

Debra said, “The clients love him, especially the frailer ones.”

Omar is three years old now but his potential as a PAT dog was spotted as a puppy. Debra said: “When I got Omar at 15 weeks, he was very laid back so someone suggested I entered him for PAT. I took him to Manchester and he passed the tests. He is very calm and laid back, an ideal dog for PAT.

“Omar is loved so much, when I take him in to town he wears his PAT jacket. People stop me to pat him; he’s like a big furry stress ball.”