An incredible rescue dog has picked up a top gong for bringing joy to a psychiatric ward.

Despite her own tough start to life, Blue German shepherd Millie is a trusted friend to people ­struggling with their mental health and is in demand as a therapy pet.

Her owner Kim Gilder said: “Millie has been visiting the ward for a couple of years. She is a valued friend of the ward.

“Millie provides companionship and helps to tackle loneliness. She is charged with providing contact, confidence and trust where patients may be distrustful or have problems dealing with people.”

Millie was locked in a cage for the first seven months of her life and was so underweight she could hardly stand when she was rescued.

She now volunteers for a charity, giving cuddles and comfort at care homes and special schools up and down the country.
Rescue dog Millie enjoyed the attention as she picked up the award for Best Rescue Dog in Leicester's Dog Talent Show (
Image:
thirstmedia.co.uk)

And the work led to the nine-year-old winning best rescue dog and champion of champions at a dog talent show.

Event organiser Barrie Stephen said: “Sadly, dogs like Millie are being rescued from terrible situations all of the time.

“All dogs deserve a second chance when their original owners let them down. Millie is an incredible dog and a worthy winner.

“Although her own recovery from neglect has taken years, she’s gone on to provide help and support as a therapy dog in the secure mental health unit.”

Millie’s patients even sent a good luck message to her at the Barrie’s Got Talent Dog Show, in her home town in Leicester.

They were delighted to hear she had beaten the 50 other pooches.

Barrie, an ambassador for Leicester Animal Aid, added: “Animal visits are proven to be an effective ­treatment as part of a holistic programme of care.

“Remarkably, under supervision and with the correct support, some patients can be rewarded with the opportunity to take Millie out for a walk – this is r­emarkable because they are patients on a secure ward.

“But this is excellent therapy for a range of mental health conditions.

“There was not a dry eye in the house as we heard first hand what an impact Millie makes to the lives of the patients.”