25/10/2026
Where Moments Count...
A chance meeting in our Day Hospice blossomed into a remarkable connection between therapy dog Loki and patient Dave Cox from Northwich.
Dave, who was living with dementia, first met giant Leonberger Loki and his owner, volunteer Dave Berrington, while his wife was attending our Dementia Carers' Workshops.
Volunteer Dave explains: “The first time Dave saw Loki he just fell in love with him. His wife Sylvia said he talked about Loki so much after every visit. So, when Dave needed respite care in a local care home, St Luke’s Dementia Nurse Siobhan asked me if I would consider visiting him there to help him settle in."
Over the following weeks, Volunteer Dave and Loki became regular visitors, bringing comfort and companionship during what was a difficult transition for Dave and his family.
Volunteer Dave added: “The adjustment to respite care wasn’t easy and Dave’s carers said the change in him when Loki had visited was just incredible. It calmed him down completely and then his family were able to visit and enjoy special time with him while he was calm
and happy.”
When Dave sadly died a few weeks later, Volunteer Dave and Loki both attended his funeral – a touching tribute to the bond they had shared.
“I’ve never built a longer term relationship like that, but Dave happened to be one of those very special people who just loved Loki to bits and Loki was just so gentle with him. Moments like that are quite rare and very special. I was delighted to help.”
