'It's amazing for the kids': Meet Bella the therapy dog at UHL

The miniature schnauzer regularly does her rounds of the children's wards, offering the young patients chocolate treats in exchange for a few pets

Bella the therapy dog visiting Jasmine in the Caterpillar Ward at University Hospital Limerick. Picture: Dan Linehan

As she struts through UHL’s Children’s Ark in a festive jumper, Bella the therapy dog stops many times to greet young patients and their parents. A regular visitor, she keeps children company while they await results and rest after procedures.

Aged six and with her own social media channel, the miniature schnauzer has been visiting young inpatients and day patients in the Limerick hospital since her predecessor, Bonnie the Labrador, retired.