A ROSYTH-BASED raw pet food and wellness subscription company have pledged their support to Therapy Dogs Nationwide.

The team at Bella & Duke teamed up with the charity that provides Animal Assisted Therapies across the UK; the company has committed to regular donations, continuous fundraising and has even sponsored four therapy dogs.

Mark Scott, co-founder of Bella and Duke, said: “We are so pleased to be partnering with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, the work they do makes such a difference to those they are helping, and we hope our donation, as well as sponsoring Jackson, Daisy, Jem and Bran will help them continue to do what they do best.

"At Bella & Duke, we believe passionately in the positive impact dogs make to people’s lives and the lives of our communities. We know that everyone’s journey is better when you’ve got a friend by your side, and so very much admire the work of Therapy Dogs Nationwide.”

The company has sponsored Jackson, a Leonberger from the Midlands; Daisy from Essex; Jem, the Lurcher from Cheshire; and Bran, a Bernese Mountain Dog from Lincolnshire. All four pups work hard, Jackson was registered by his owner, Mick, and now works in a local care home and a facility for teens with behavioural issues. The work he does makes a huge difference.

Gentle Daisy visits the Royal Chelsea Hospital in London with her owner, Christine. She has helped children in schools and libraries in the Paws and Read programme, visited those in assisted living and Alzheimer groups and has even supported the NHS in helping people overcome their phobia of dogs.

Jem also helps people overcome their fear of dogs and has supported the Paws and Read programme, he visits two care homes and a hospice regularly and he loves the cuddles and attention he gets there. Jem was rescued by his owner, Jaki, when he was just six-months-old, he had been scavenging for food and because of that, he benefits from a raw diet so the subscription box he will receive from Bella & Duke will keep him healthy, happy and working.

Lastly, Bran, who has a kind, loving nature and calm temperament, has been visiting a residential care home, a hospice, and a high-security prison where both staff and residents love him dearly.

All four of these amazing therapy dogs receive full subscription boxes to Bella & Duke, containing nutritionally-balanced and easy-to-prepare meals made up of raw minced meats mixed with seasonal fruits and vegetables, for free. Any other Therapy Dogs Nationwide volunteer wishing to use the subscription service will get 50 per cent off.

The benefits that therapy dogs can have are endless and volunteers at Therapy Dogs Nationwide visit a range of facilities, including schools, special needs schools, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, care centres and prisons with their dogs to provide comfort, distraction and stimulation as well as Animal Assisted Therapies.

Leisl de Lafontaine, a trustee at Therapy Dogs Nationwide, said: “Here at Therapy Dogs Nationwide, we believe in giving our volunteers the choice on how they best look after their dogs. Whether that be how they wish to feed them, where they exercise them or how they maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Bella & Duke to help our volunteers make an educated and informed choice about their pets."

The Bella & Duke team have not only sponsored four of the dogs and given money off for other volunteers, they have also been fundraising for the charity. Their recent day of fundraising saw staff enjoying a festive Christmas Jumper Day and bake sale.

Leisl continued: "The fundraising opportunities that are provided through Bella & Duke mean that we can help more volunteers be present in their local communities, supporting neighbours, patients, clients and pupils. All of our volunteers will benefit from this new partnership, and we are looking forward to future plans and collaborations."

To find out more on the partnership or to make a donation to Therapy Dogs Nationwide, visit tdn.org.uk.