Loneliness and social isolation are chronic problems in the elderly in the North East. An estimated 50,000 pensioners in the region are chronically lonely and are 50% more likely to die prematurely than people with good social networks. This means loneliness is as big a mortality risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Many are dog lovers and when they ask for a furry friend from Wag & Company, they get the bonus of a very nice two legged one at the same time. Over 330 amazing Visiting Wag Teams are currently making the difference, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, down to Stokesley, across to Haltwhistle and pretty much everywhere in between.

So with just an hour or so most weeks we provide some company for a chat, a cuppa and a cuddle with that much missed furry friend.

The results can be transformational with people telling us that their Visiting Wag Team has made my life worth living again, given me something to look forward to.