It has been scientifically proven that the mere action of stroking a dog slows down the heartbeat, reduces blood pressure, and makes someone who has already suffered a heart attack much less likely to have another. Though no fault of their own, many people find themselves deprived of the companionship of a much loved dog. It may be that they have had to go into sheltered housing or residential accomodation. They may be patients in hospital or mental health units. Many of these people value the visits from Visiting Therapy Dogs and their owners and the normality that it brings. The visit initiate discussion with the residents or patients enabliing them to reminisce about their own pets. For some, it may be the only visitor that they get.