A DOG charity set up in Wirral less than four years ago now has more than 700 volunteers nationwide.

Therapy Dogs Nationwide was co-founded by Eileen Slattery and a friend.

The organisation's volunteers visit establishments such as hospitals, hospices, residential homes, schools, care centres and prisons with the dogs to help provide relaxation and distraction.

Wirral West MP Margaret Greenwood met with Eileen Slattery from Woodchurch and Jan Tarrant from Upton, and their dogs – Spartacus, a golden retriever, and Bramble, a miniature schnauzer – in Parliament at an event to raise awareness of the positive impact that therapy dogs can have.

The concept of Therapy Dogs was originally devised by Lesley Scott-Ordish in 1976 when she discovered the trauma experienced by the elderly if forced to give up a much-loved pet upon going into residential care.

Eileen Slattery, said: "The lives of thousands of people every week are improved by Therapy Dogs Nationwide. Dogs have been used in the care sector for over 40 years.

"Our organisation is run totally by volunteers who have a huge amount of expertise in many different aspects of therapy work with dogs.

"Volunteers are all registered with the organisation and their dogs are all thoroughly temperament tested.

"We are regularly contacted by organisations who are taking part in mental health awareness programs and staff wellbeing initiatives and want to include Therapy Dogs Nationwide as part of their support networks.

"We visit many different establishments with our calm, happy therapy dogs.

"This gives us the opportunity to meet a vast array of different people from all walks of life, each with their own special problems, needs and requirements."

Lesley, using her own dogs to visit, could immediately see the positive impact their presence was having on the emotional wellbeing of the residents.

Margaret Greenwood MP said: "I was delighted to be able to meet up with Eileen and Jan and their dogs Spartacus and Bramble in Parliament.

"It's great credit to Eileen that the charity she founded with a friend less than four years ago now has volunteers nationwide.

"It was very interesting to hear about the work that goes on at the charity and about the history of Therapy Dogs.

"Therapy Dogs Nationwide volunteers and dogs visit establishments such as nursing homes, hospitals and schools, and I understand they are also becoming increasingly involved in one-off visits for stress busting and general wellbeing within large corporations.

"You can find out more about Therapy Dogs Nationwide by visiting their website at http://www.tdn.org.uk/ where you can also find contact details and request a visit to your organisation.”