There are some coworkers you just never forget. At Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, Holly the Labrador Retriever is one of them. After eight wonderful years and 500 visits of tail wags, cuddles, and calming presence, Holly the “Cuddle Manager” has officially retired, and yes, she had a paw-sitively adorable party to mark the moment.
“It’s a sad day in many ways,” said Holly’s owner, Barry, reflecting on her final shift. “But this is our 500th visit, eight years in now, and I think the time has come for her to put her paws up and smell the biscuits!”
Holly has been visiting Alder Hey as a registered therapy dog with the national charity Pets as Therapy, after Barry noticed her gentle and nurturing demeanor. “She just had something special,” Barry said, remembering the moment he knew she was perfect for the job.
Special doesn’t even begin to cover it.
“She makes a massive difference to the lives of the children and their families, but also the staff here at Alder Hey,” said Nathan Askew, the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer. “She’s always out and about, you see her in the atrium and everybody stops and says hello. I think she’s probably the most famous person here!”
Seriously. Kids ask about her before their doctors. “We have children and people that come back for repeat treatments, and they always ask if Holly is in today and if they can see her,” Askew said. “She just really helps people to relax, she puts people at ease, and gives people a little bit of normality while they’re having their care and treatment.”
And the world outside the hospital noticed too. Holly earned herself a CBeebies Hero Award, made a cameo on “Operation Ouch!”, and was part of the hospital’s volunteer team that received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.
Though Holly’s official cuddle shifts are over, she leaves behind a legacy of tail wags and joy, alongside a new generation of therapy pups like Bonnie the cocker spaniel who will keep the love flowing.
Holly, you’ve earned your biscuits. And a nap. And all the belly rubs.
