Therapy dog Winnie to visit 100 care homes

Winnie the Cavapoo recently celebrated her sixth birthday

Coventry City's charity is appealing for money so its therapy dog Winnie can visit 100 care homes, schools and hospitals.

The initiative, named Paws for a Cause, was set up by Sky Blues in the Community to provide emotional and social support for vulnerable people.

The charity aims to raise £2,500 to fund Winnie's visits along with other projects like walking and blind football sessions.

"It's a really rewarding thing to do and it's really touching to see people with Winnie," said her owner Johnny Szyndler.

Donations will also support the charity's dementia project that provides regular physical activity for those with a diagnosis.

Winnie, who is described as a quiet and sensitive dog, has visited more than 10 care homes so far in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Winnie has visited more than 10 care homes so far on her journey

"It's been amazing and people can get quite emotional when they see Winnie," Mr Szyndler said.

He is also the charity's health and wellbeing manager and was inspired to start the initiative after he saw dogs being used in Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"To watch how much a dog lifted the moods of young children who were going through very traumatic experiences made me realise how beneficial animal therapy can be," he said.

Since the football charity started the project, Mr Szyndler said the response for Winnie to visit care homes had been crazy.

Winnie wears her Sky Blues coat when she visits residents

Winnie's journey across the county has been documented on Instagram, filled with updates and pictures of her visitors.

Children at schools also get to meet Winnie after the charity delivers mental health presentations.

Donations to fund the initative can be received through the charity's Go Fund Me page.