The Pet Therapy Team at Salford Royal Hospital was started by a A&E nurse Ashley Dowler. Ashley rescued a German Shepherd dog named Lara from Spain, and during the Covid pandemic trained Lara to become a therapy dog to help people feel better at the hospital.

Ashley says, “It began with just me and Lara, but now we have a team of seven therapy dogs and their handlers. In April 2025, we were proud to win the Mayor’s Citizen Award for helping so many patients, families, and hospital staff.” 

Lara worked with the team for four amazing years. She sadly passed away in February 2025. Ashley says Lara will always be her inspiration. The team continues in Lara’s memory, showing how therapy dogs can bring comfort and happiness to everyone in the hospital.

Meet our Team