A FOUR-LEGGED volunteer is wagging his way into the hearts of patients and staff at Salisbury Hospice – proving that sometimes the best medicine comes with a wet nose and a wagging tail.

Friendly dog Inish and his owner, Andrew Rome, regularly visit Salisbury Hospice and Salisbury District Hospital as part of Pets As Therapy, bringing comfort, smiles and plenty of tail-wagging joy to patients, staff and families.

The duo has been volunteering together for around a year and have quickly become a welcome sight on the wards — with Inish often stealing the show.

Andrew said he first became involved after noticing how people naturally gravitated towards his dog.

He said: “So many people said my dog was exceptional. People were immediately attracted to him; they really enjoyed their interactions with him.

“Someone suggested I should take him to visit hospitals or schools or care homes.”

Since then, the pair have been spreading a little paw-sitivity wherever they go.

Andrew says the visits often spark conversations and lift people’s spirits during difficult times.

Salisbury Hospice in Oddstock Road.

“It is a distraction and gets people interacting with each other,” he said.

Now the canine volunteer and his owner are preparing for their next challenge: supporting the hospice in rugby-themed fundraiser The Big Try.

The sponsored walk, taking place on March 14, invites supporters to combine exercise, rugby and fundraising to help support vital hospice care.

For Andrew, the event felt like the perfect match.

“I thoroughly enjoy watching rugby and am a long time Irish supporter and love the Six Nations,” he said.

“It is perfect to combine a walk, a match and raising funds for the hospice. The dog and I walk miles every day, so it was perfect.”

Andrew says supporting the hospice is especially important after seeing the dedication of the team there.

“They need all the funds we can raise,” he said.

The Big Try is expected to bring together hundreds of supporters, all stepping out to help fund end-of-life and palliative care for local patients and their families.

And with loyal companion Inish by his side, Andrew will be hoping their fundraising effort really goes the extra mile – proving that when it comes to spreading kindness, this dynamic duo are truly top dog.