Pocket Hug

Hugs by post courtesy of Holly and medical detection dogs ambassador Poppy. These two golden retrievers are part of my MDD Volunteer family who’ve become great friends over the past three years.

I’ve probably spoken to my volunteer friends more than some of my other friends during lockdown and it’s made me realise how great friendships are founded through volunteering and how much of a support we are to one another. I’m so grateful for the phone calls, video chats, cards and parcels by post that always seem to arrive when I need a boost. We look out for one another and have a good rant too.

It’s particularly isolating for our group coordinator Claire who is shielding due to suppressed immunity post-transplant. Her four legged friend Pal keeps her smiling and her husband’s gardening needs her ‘careful direction’ from a 2m distance! We do miss our coffee meet ups so virtual coffee chats have to do for now.

The charity is currently working to establish if dogs can be trained to detect covid 19 for early detection of the virus. Six clever dogs have been selected Norman, Digby, Storm, Jasper, Star and Asher. More about the project here. You can follow the latest developments on the MDD Facebook page.

Boiler man returns tomorrow morning with the long awaited part. Fingers crossed it works this time. I’m so fed up of boiling the kettle to wash up!