Pets help boost mental health at Sunderland's Swan Lodge

At the Salvation Army’s Swan Lodge Lifehouse in Sunderland allowing pets is a key part of the support offered to residents who have struggled with homelessness. 

They currently have seven dogs and three budgies, as well as some inquisitive seagulls, and in the past have housed bearded dragons, guinea pigs and snakes. 

Each Salvation Army Lifehouse, which provides supported accommodation to people who have been homeless, has their own policy on allowing animals. At Swan Lodge, manager Christine Ritchie says pets help improve mental and physical health and provide a routine for residents. 

Paul, who has been at the Lifehouse in High Street East for 18 months after spending five weeks on the streets, said his dog, a 10-month old rescue Blue Merle Sheltie called Duke, has been a lifesaver. 

He said: “I jumped at the chance to adopt a rescue dog. It’s the company that you miss when you’ve been on your own and homeless. Having Duke gives me something to get up for in the morning. I suffer from depression and anxiety, but I have to function because I have him to look after, it’s not just me now. It gets me out for walks too. 

“Duke is so playful and he’s loving. He gets a good walk in the morning and then plays in the back garden with all the other dogs all day. He likes a half hour cuddle at night before he goes to sleep. 

“The staff are such animal lovers, they adore animals no matter what they are, in fact they recently rescued a seagull that fell off the roof! The dogs are as welcome as we are.” 

Another resident Ian, who moved to Swan Lodge after a relationship breakdown agreed. He has a Jackawawa - a cross between a Jack Russell and a Chihuahua – called Scrappy Do. 

He said: “I suffer with my mental health but Scrappy keeps me occupied. Now I have to get up first thing in the morning to take him for a walk, he stands on my chest at 6.30am and pats me to wake me up! I have to make sure I buy his food, put his water out, put treats out. It’s routine which is important for me without a doubt. It’s sorted my head out so much. 

“He’s a fussy little thing, but once he feels comfortable he runs about like he owns the place. He just wants to have a laugh and a carry on like me. He sleeps underneath my right arm in my bed. He’s a little Godsend. I even got him tattooed on me because I love him so much!” 

Dogs do not have to have had all their injections before coming to Swan Lodge, however staff will arrange for this be done as soon as possible. They are also risk assessed and many will come from rescue centres so have had their jabs and be ready for rehoming.

Swan Lodge also works closely with charities Street Paws, who arrange vet appointments, and Pawz for Thought, who provide everything animals need from bedding, food, collars and bowls. 

Christine said: “All of our staff are animal lovers. We put ourselves in the residents’ place and think ‘how would we feel if we were ever made homeless and had to give up an animal?’ It would be like giving up a family member, adding to their distress at a time when life is already difficult. 

“Animals help with mental health and wellbeing. It gives our lads and lasses a sense of purpose as they are looking after something else, not just themselves. We’ve seen a huge difference in Paul and Ian since they got the dogs. 

“It’s not just dogs, we’ve had every type of animal from dogs to cats to budgies to snakes, bearded dragons, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, the lot! 

“We’ve also got a seagull nest on the roof so rescued a baby bird that was attacked by its siblings last week. We had a seagull called Derek outside for a long time, but he got injured and had to go to a sanctuary, now we’ve got one called Betty, she’s a bonnie birdy!” 

Christine is now planning a Swan Lodge version of Crufts with residents busy training their dogs up for the competition. 

Swan Lodge provides accommodation for up to 65 people who are homeless with support including educational and volunteering opportunities for residents. For more information visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/swan-lodge or search for them on Facebook.