At Spread a Smile, our amazing therapy dogs – Buddy, Cobi, Harry, Scout, Smartie and Thomas – play a vital role within our team of entertainers, bringing so much comfort to children they meet in hospital, plus to wider family members and staff.
“When Lottie saw one of the Therapy Dogs, her face would light up. I could feel her joy as she stroked their fur or gave them treats. They provided such warmth and comfort for her and as her Mum, this meant so much, giving me some happy memories in amongst all of the worry.” Gemma
It costs £6,120 to sponsor a therapy dog for a year. This will help fund their bedside visits to children in hospital and participation in our family events, helping to spread smiles to hundreds of children and their families when needed most.
You can find out more about our therapy dogs below. Each one has a unique way of providing physical warmth and affection, distraction and fun. They offer support during stressful or painful medical procedures and can help with rehabilitation and physio exercises. They also help to bring happiness and familiarity for children who are missing their pets at home.
As a sponsor you’ll receive regular updates on how your sponsored therapy dog is helping to spread smiles and bring joy and happiness during the darkest of times. We’ll include your name or company logo on their official Spread a Smile bandana and you’ll have the opportunity to meet them too.
Email our Partnerships Manager, Rosie Perkins at rosie@spreadasmile.org to find out more about sponsoring Buddy, Cobi, Harry, Scout, Smartie or Thomas.
Thank you.
Buddy
Buddy is a Labradoodle, owned by Spread a Smile’s Co-Founder, Josephine Segal. He has been a therapy dog since 2022, and his favourite foods are cheese and chicken. He loves visiting the park, meeting new people and making new friends.
Fun fact: Buddy sneezes when he’s excited to see someone he knows. Meet Buddy here.
Cobi
Cobi is a Standard Poodle and has been a therapy dog with Spread a Smile since 2024. He will eat anything and everything and loves play fighting with his poodle housemate Chocco. Everyone loves meeting Cobi and his owner Howard.
Fun Fact: Cobi will happily eat fruit and vegetables and has the best rock star hair.
Harry
Harry is a Schnoodle (half schnauzer, half poodle) and has been working with Spread a Smile since 2017. He loves roast chicken, cheese, playing hide and seek and chasing squirrels in the park (he’s never caught one).
Fun fact: Harry loves his Mummy, Tara, more than anyone in the world. Meet Harry here.
Scout
Scout is a Cockapoo and our newest therapy dog, joining us with owner Cara in 2025. She is a calm and cuddly therapy dog whose favourite snack is chunks of mature cheddar cheese and who has a few tricks at her paw.
Fun fact: Scout loves having her fur brushed by the children she meets.
Smartie
Smartie is a Cavapoochon who loves chicken and lamb. He’s been spreading smiles along with his owner Sammy since 2021 and he loves running around the park chasing the birds and squirrels (no luck yet).
Fun fact: Smartie loves playing football and gives really good cuddles. Meet Smartie here.
Thomas
Thomas is our longest standing therapy dog, having been spreading smiles with his owner Olivia since 2004. He is a Miniature Australian Labradoodle who loves sweet and salty popcorn, watermelon, rice crispies and napping in the car.
Fun fact: Thomas can ring a bell, give high-5s and fist/paw pumps. Meet Thomas here.
