Cornwall’s long-serving therapy dog: Ten years at St Teresa’s for brilliant Bonnie

Left to right: Maggie, Bonnie and Paul

Bonnie is super popular at St Teresa’s. She’s a friendly, affectionate 12-year old cockapoo. She’s also a brilliant Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog.

Bonnie, my husband Paul and I love the chance to mix with people here. We visit once a month, and Bonnie has people waiting and smiling at the door when she arrives. She’s treated like royalty!

Long-established links with St Teresa’s

After moving down to Cornwall, I started helping out a resident at St Teresa’s. As a writer and a journalist, I connected with someone who wanted help putting together a story. She was writing a lovely piece to leave to her grandchildren, so we worked together on that.

After the lady passed away, I looked for ways that we could help more of the residents. The home supports up to 27 disabled adults, just down the road from us in Marazion.

Spotting potential early

When Bonnie was a youngster, Paul and I realised she had the potential to be a great therapy dog. I’d made a TV documentary series with the RSPCA, and it was clear that she had just the right temperament.

Bonnie passed the Pets as Therapy (PAT) assessment with flying colours! She’s been visiting people at St Teresa’s since 2016.

The unconditional love Bonnie gives to all of us at St Teresa's brings many smiling faces. As for me, the visits from Bonnie can turn even a difficult day into a much better day.
Zoey, a resident at St Teresa’s

10-year anniversary celebrations

This year, staff and residents put on a superb celebration to mark Bonnie’s 10-year anniversary.

Everyone got involved in making some brilliant themed decorations and delicious cakes. Residents contributed to a lovely group poem about Bonnie. Zoey, a resident who is especially attached to Bonnie, created a fantastic portrait of her. It was an amazing day!

St Teresa’s resident Zoey with her portrait of Bonnie

A plaque now hangs in the reception area to mark the milestone, with a message and a paw print for Bonnie. As I said to everyone, the thinking was: if celebrities can be honoured with a handprint in Hollywood then why not have the paw print of a star dog? A paw-tograph!

Paul and Bonnie next to the plaque

Flag with the message ‘Congratulations, Bonnie'

Great rapport with residents

Bonnie has a great rapport with a lot of residents. As Paul says, she seems to help people open up. One resident has a background as an artist and he’s quite shy. Yet with Bonnie there in his room, he’ll be more likely than ever to chat to us about his art.

We go and see people with Bonnie and people just give us whatever stories they’re happy to share. Eventually, we get chatting about anything and everything.

Bonnie is a great dog who loves people… and pubs! She loves the visits to St Teresa’s. As with a lot of people Bonnie meets, she seems to help people open up
Paul, husband of Maggie and co-owner of Bonnie

Bonds with staff

The staff get a lot out of seeing Bonnie too. They do a superb job supporting residents with their daily lives, understanding what matters to each person and what each person enjoys doing.

Someone particularly close to Bonnie is the Activities Organiser, Lucy. She helped residents put on the 10th anniversary celebrations. Lucy and her husband have even looked after Bonnie sometimes when we were away.

Bonnie with Lucy, Activities Organiser at St Teresa’s

Still writing

I have a background in news, social affairs and social care journalism. I worked as a producer and documentary maker with the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and many others.

I’ve also written a novel based in Bermuda, a three-part novella series, a factual book on the 1974 Birmingham Pub Bombings and short story collections.

My latest 2026 collection is Stories for the Road, with Liverpool-based co-author Jude Lennon. One of the stories involves a therapy dog.

Social Work Journalism Awards

In 2023, I helped set up Social Work Journalism Awards with the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). The awards showcase print and broadcast stories that shine an informative light on the profession. I’m a member of the judging team and extremely proud to have played a part in its creation.

I’m always on the lookout for examples of great reporting about social work and social care.

My social affairs journalism work also helps me understand why the government must take action on adult social care: it must fulfil the commitment to long-term investment and reform. If that happens, more disabled adults across the UK will finally get the support they need.

Looking ahead to more memorable moments

Our life in Cornwall will continue to be intertwined with people at St Teresa’s. We’ll always cherish Bonnie’s brilliant anniversary celebrations – a wonderful gesture from everyone involved. We’re all looking forward to more visits this year!

You can find out more about Maggie, Paul and Bonnie – and Maggie’s writing – via the website maggiefogarty.com 'Stories for the Road', a collection of short stories written by Maggie and co-author Jude Lennon, will be available from 10 October 2026.