“Betzi is part of my family, it's lovely to see her happy.”

“Betzi makes me get up in the morning. She’s my best friend and I talk to her all the time.”

Ill health meant that Sue Ellis had to leave her job in the ambulance service. She and four-year-old Tibetan terrier Betzi now live in a studio apartment in Pendrell Court, Codsall.

“I’ve always had dogs. I actually delivered Betzi, so I’ve known her from the moment she was born. We’ve got a special relationship. She sleeps on my bed and she’s very protective. I wish I could walk her more.”

Student Holly Langton, 19, is a volunteer dog walker. Now in the second year of her mathematics degree, she began visiting Sue and Betzi in the summer. Betzi has shed an impressive two kilos since she met her new friend.

“I’ve got a beautiful black Labrador called Prince at home but there’s always room in my heart for more dogs. Betzi knows I’m here even before I’ve knocked on the door. She starts ‘singing’ which is completely adorable.

“When I started walking Betzi she didn’t want to go very far because her legs hurt. She’s lost some weight now and is starting to enjoy herself. It’s lovely to see her playing in the fallen leaves. I walk two other dogs and I’m very attached to them all. It’s nice to chat to the owners, too. I definitely get as much out of it as the dogs!”

Pendrell Court is one of 35 retirement living communities managed by Care Plus, who understand the importance of the bond between people and their animals.  Residents are often able to bring their pet with them when they move into one of the apartments or bungalows.

“Betzi is part of my family,” says Sue. “It’s lovely to see her happy.”

Learn more about volunteering opportunities with Care Plus by visiting the web page. https://www.care-plus.org.uk/working-with-us/volunteer-with-us