Fresh from his recent success at the NCA Colleague Awards, where he was crowned the winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award with his mum Tina Walton, Atlas has taken time out of his busy schedule to ‘woof’ his answers.
Which team do you work with?
The volunteer team at Fairfield General Hospital.
Describe your job in three words
Fun, comforting and treats.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I get lots of cuddles and lots of treats. I love it when the biscuit trolley comes round.
How did you come to work in your current role?
My story is a long one. I was a hunting dog in Cyprus but not cut out for this as my dad who was a bad man dumped me at the side of the road. I was very scared and hungry for a long time but then some humans who worked for a rescue called Dali Dogs tried to catch me. I was very scared but eventually they trapped me and took me to a vet. My tummy was full of grass, bones and stones as that was all I could find to eat. Eventually I let them stroke me and my mum who is called Tina saw me on a rescue site and decided to adopt me. They put me on a plane to Paris, then I came through the tunnel, and then in a van to Knutsford services where my mum collected me.
I was very scared as I'd never been in a house before, (I think I wee’d the first night but that’s the only time). I'd never seen a television, or a hoover. My mum fell in love with me (who wouldn't), she took me training, to the beach and camping, I even went back in that tunnel thing and went to Germany which was fab. My mum likes holidays so I’ve been everywhere. I’ve been to Spain, skiing in France, Scotland on a ferry, buses in the Lakes and I’ve even been on the tram to Manchester.
My mum’s a volunteer and she decided I was so well behaved she would register me as a PAT dog. Volunteers made my life better, so I want to help make others better.
In your career so far what are you most proud about?
We visited a ward where a patient was unresponsive and hadn't spoken to anyone. When I went up to him, he stroked me and even started talking to me. Some of the nurses were crying.
Favourite film or TV series
I like to watch ‘Dogs behaving badly’ to see if I can pick up any tips.
Who would be your three dream dinner guests?
Toto from the Wizard of Oz as he's a superstar; Lady from Lady and the Tramp, as she's very pretty, and Scooby Doo as that's what my Mum calls me when I do zoomies around the field.
Where is your dream travel destination?
I’m not a superstar diva so my favourite place is my local pub with my mum and dad. I get to lie in front of a big warm fire on my back. It’s my favourite position as I get lots of tummy tickles and lots of treats.
Thank you Atlas and Tina for all that you do to help bring joy and comfort to people in our hospitals - you are truly ‘pawsome’!