DOG OWNER TACKLES SELF-ISOLATION LONELINESS BY TAKING PET TO VISIT NEIGHBOURS

American bulldog Rocky has been doing the rounds to help battle loneliness as people self-isolate due to the coronavirus outbreak.

A dog owner is taking her pet bulldog to visit neighbours to help battle self-isolation during the coronavirus outbreak.

Jenny Bromfield visits neighbours’ houses with her American bulldog Rocky who provides a welcome distraction for those stuck inside their homes.

The 37-year-old says Rocky gives out plenty of hugs and attention to those most in need.

Bromfield, a former business development executive, first offered Rocky’s services to the public by posting a message to the Middlesbrough Covid-19 mutual aid Facebook page on 17 March.

“Helping other people makes me feel like a valuable member of the community,” Bromfield says of her decision to help people in self-isolation.

“I’m so proud of how social he is and I feel so much better in myself, knowing that I can help people get through their isolation periods a little easier,” she adds.

Bromfield says it was love at first sight when first meeting Rocky at the Dogs’ Trust in Darlington two years ago when he was just 11 months old.

“He encouraged me to get out of the house when I was self-isolating as a result of my mental health issues so I know how important his visits will be to others,” Bromfield explains.

“He saved me every day.”

The most recent visit for Bromfield and Rocky was Lizzie Robinson, 33, who is self-isolating following advice from her doctor.

On visits, Bromfield waits outside their houses for up to 45 minutes while those self-isolating spend time with Rocky on their doorsteps. The pooch is very attached to his owner so she stays close to him.

Lizzie said: “The visit from Rocky really cheered me up in these uncertain times.

“He’s just a big bundle of fun and happiness.

“I was feeling quite down and anxious before Rocky came, and then while he was here and after he left I feel much better.

“My mood has lifted – he made me smile and laugh that’s for sure.”

The World Health Organisation has confirmed that pets cannot catch or pass on the virus, but the Pets Dispensary for Sick Animals said that while there is no evidence of animals spreading Covid-19 to people, it is always sensible to avoid letting your pet lick your face.

Since the pandemic began to take hold in the UK and Ireland, sections of the community in both countries have rallied to help those who are most vulnerable in these unprecedented times.

Last week, volunteers in Ireland took to social media with offers of help that included picking up groceries and medicine.

Paddy Costello, a 32-year-old scientist living and working in Dublin, told The Independent he heard about the hashtag from a colleague at work and was moved to act having lost a close friend to cystic fibrosis.

“I understand that I’m fortunate enough to be able to help others,” he explained.

“Where I can I’d be happy to walk pets, run errands, collect medicines and prescriptions and go to the shops for folks who need.”

One woman from Cornwall came up with a simple postcard idea to help people look after their neighbours who had been forced to self-isolate.

Becky Wass, a freelance copywriter living in Falmouth, designed and made a card intended to help people keep in touch.

Supermarkets including Iceland and Lidl also set up dedicated shopping hours for the elderly so they get what they needed before the shelves were stripped by stockpilers.