MY FAITHFUL FRIEND

Pets are proving a lifesaver for many, providing companionship and consistency in uncertain times, as these Kent Life readers reveal

- Sarah Sturt

KATIE & RALPH

Tell us a bit about you

I am the director of Libra Partnership Ltd, a company providing advocacy services for local authorities. We work with people who lack the capacity to make decisions and who are in care homes and hospitals across England and Wales, making sure that their voices are heard and their rights upheld.

I usually spend at least one week a month travelling the country to see clients in care homes, so the lockdown has had a big effect on how we manage this.

We have had to adapt to using technology; with the help of home managers and care staff, we can see clients using Zoom, Face Time or WhatsApp video.

We use encrypted email to transfer documents and the team can work remotely using the Cloud. However, I can’t wait to be back on the road again, because there is nothing nicer than meeting someone face to face.

And your dog

Ralph is a two-year-old standard wire-haired daschund, he’s incredibly lazy and happy to sleep all day, he isn’t what you would call a high-energy dog! He does enjoy his walks, however, particularly if they include treats for recall.

We used to go for walks twice a day, morning and evening, but since the lockdown we try to go for a longer walk mid-morning so we only go out once. If he is feeling particularly energetic, we will play games in the garden in the evening, one of his favourites being hide and seek with treats.

What’s your favourite walk?