Meet Nya, a five-year-old German shepherd who's making waves as the first therapy dog registered with TransPennine Express (TPE), a train operator in the UK. Nya's owner, the safeguarding and crime prevention lead for TPE, decided to register her with Pets As Therapy, an organisation that brings therapy pets into hospitals, care homes, schools, and other places to befriend people and help reduce stress and anxiety. They're doing this to help people in need, and it's a great way to give back to the community.

Nya's journey as a therapy dog began when she was just a puppy. Her owner, who worked as a police officer for 20 years, wanted to help others by making her a therapy dog. They've had a strong bond since Nya was a puppy, and they can read each other's energy. Nya's owner says that taking her out for a walk helps them switch off and keeps them grounded, which lowers feelings of anxiety. It's a win-win for both Nya and her owner, as they get to spend time together and help others at the same time.

At events, Nya helps people struggling with low mood and depression. One woman spent 20 minutes with Nya, rolling on the floor, stroking her, and cuddling her. Afterward, she told Nya's owner that it really helped break her negative chain of thoughts. Nya's owner says she puts a smile on people's faces, and after meeting her, people always say, 'That made my day a lot better.' Nya's owner didn't expect this kind of response, but she's happy to see the positive impact Nya's having.

Nya's not just a pretty face; she's also talented. She can do cool tricks like walking or running in between her owner's legs, spinning around, rolling, and jumping up with both paws. She's food-oriented and loves dog biscuits, which her owner always carries. Nya even does school presentations, and one in Manchester ended with an impromptu showcase of tricks, which got a round of applause. The kids loved her, and Nya loved the attention.

'She's like my little shadow,' Nya's owner says. 'It's nice to have someone miss me when I leave the room.' She's become a constant companion, and Nya's owner can't imagine life without her.

As a therapy dog, Nya has a significant impact on people's lives. She helps reduce stress and anxiety, which is essential for people's mental health. With the increasing awareness of mental health support, Nya's role is more important than ever. Her owner is proud to be a part of this initiative, and Nya is happy to be making a difference in people's lives. They're making a great team, and it's clear that they're dedicated to their work.

Nya's story is a testament to the power of therapy dogs and the impact they can have on people's lives. With her calm temperament and adorable tricks, she's bringing smiles to train passengers and making their day a little better. She's a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference in someone's day. Nya's owner says that she's seen a real change in people after they've met Nya, and it's amazing to see.

  • Nya is a five-year-old German shepherd.
  • She's the first therapy dog registered with TransPennine Express (TPE).
  • Nya's owner is the safeguarding and crime prevention lead for TPE.
  • Nya can do tricks like walking or running in between her owner's legs, spinning around, rolling, and jumping up with both paws.
  • She loves dog biscuits and is food-oriented.

Nya's story is not just about a dog; it's about the impact she has on people's lives. She's a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference in someone's day. As Nya continues to bring smiles to train passengers, her owner is proud to be a part of this initiative, and Nya is happy to be making a difference in people's lives. They won't stop anytime soon, as they're dedicated to their work and love seeing the positive impact they're having. Nya's owner says that they're excited to see what the future holds for Nya and her therapy work.