A WOMAN is urging more people to train their dogs to become therapy dogs.

Maxine Roberts, of Flintshire, has trained her 22 month old Newfoundland to help those in need.

Oscar, who weighs 72kg and is expected to carry on growing, has helped children and hospital patients across Flintshire for the past four months.

Owner Maxine told the Leader: "There's a shortage of therapy dogs. We have been to hospitals and schools around the county - It's that feel good factor.

"It's calming and if people are in hospital for a long time, they will be missing their dogs, they see people but its the dogs and we all love dogs. It makes such a difference.

"He's also worked with children with special needs. He's lovely with them all.

"It brings people together as well, if people are next to each other in hospital and haven't talked before, they now have something that breaks the ice.

"Just because you love your dog, it doesn't mean others can't too."

Oscar, who wasn't intended to be a therapy dog, completed his Pets As Therapy (PAT) training after his owner realised he was always putting a smile on people's faces.

Maxine said the moment of realisation for her was after seeing the happiness after whenever anyone saw Oscar.

The dog lover added: "We've always walked to the school, and then to get him two pies from the shop every morning and he puts a smile on everyone's faces so I thought why not. Even people in town, once they have seen him, everyone knows who he is.

"Everyone thinks their dogs are special but he's perfect.

"We've always had big dogs but he's too nice to just be a pet. Everywhere we go with him people love him.

"If you've got a dog that isn't easily spooked and that's happy to be fussed all day long then go for it, it's worthwhile.

"This is the first one we've had that's perfect on every score, he's wasted being just a pet and he loves the attention.

"He looks like a bear but even children who are anxious of dogs can love Oscar.

"A lot of people think PAT dogs have to be small dogs but it's not, its dependent on the dog itself."

Those wishing to sign up to PAT must have a dog who is at least nine months old and have them for at least six months.

They also should not be fed raw food and must have injections.

Maxine said: "They can't be scared of loud noises, it's more their nature than anything else. They don't have to sit on command. Since we've done him we've been asked to go to so many places, there's not enough PAT dogs out there.

"You have to get assessed but it's not mastermind and then you get a certificate from the charity organisation.

"He's the best dog ever."