Meet our Therapy Dog handlers

Kim Hepple (Buddy and Bonnie’s Handler)

I worked for Hull City Council for ten years as a Sports Development and Community Participation officer. 

Whilst working for Hull Sports Development I worked alongside at risk children and provided them with

role models and activities to divert them from crime and anti social behaviour.

Through my work I identified a need to teach respect about all living things.

Many children have pets but often do not understand their feelings and needs.

During my time at Hull City Council, I used to take children in the care system to Hull Animal Welfare Trust to walk and play with the rescued dogs. 

The young people learnt many skills and how to socialise with the volunteers.

I realised the effect that animals, especially dogs can have on children.

I have qualifications in First Aid, Canine First Aid, Dog Psychology, Teacher Training, Yoga, Sports Science,

healthy eating, Dementia Awareness and various Hull City Council Training Courses.

I resigned from Hull City Council in April 2010 to concentrate on Pet Respect.

Buddy was the first of my dogs to be a therapy dog for Pet Respect, he has such a kind, gentle soul about him. 

We then introduced my second dog, Bonnie, who forms a great tag team with Buddy as part of our smaller breeds we take into schools and care homes.

Marina Hartley (Jess’s Owner)

I have Qualifications in Animal Assisted Therapy and Pet Bereavement Counselling; I have helped run a dog training club in Hull. 

I have completed many courses including dog Psychology, teaching Dog Agility, Flyball, Canine first aid, understanding Autism and Dementia Awareness.

I have worked in various places, Capper Pass, Drewton Kennels, Selles Chemist, Vista Video and volunteering for various charities.

I have always owned collies and have a love for all animals and I enjoy working with people of all ages.

In 2002 my mother suffered a severe stroke.  She was paralysed down her left side and found her Physio hard and tiring.

At the time I was fostering a dog called Charlie and I took him to visit my mum.

This was when I saw first-hand the positive effect an animal can have on a person who is not well.

My mum’s mood improved instantly and she forgot her limitations and tried to stroke the dog with her poorly hand. 

Therefore I was inspired to become an animal assisted therapist and train and work with my own therapy dog.

Jess was from a litter of eight puppies and I was lucky enough to meet her mum, dad and grandparents.

I chose her because of her temperament within the litter and visited twice a week until she was eight weeks old and then came home to us.

Jess took two years to train and passed her Therapy Dog assessment in 2010.

We had a very special bond and I loved her to bits! We were incredibly sad that Jess passed away but equally very proud of how many lives she positively impacted.

Thanks to Pet Respect and Kim, my dream came true as I worked with Jess nearly every day. 

I love our work and have the job satisfaction of watching the positive health effects our dogs have on others, it is well worth our hard work.

Sally Hague (Sookie’s Handler)

I have been doing therapy work with Pet Respect since 2015, initially with my wonderful belated Sookie as pictured.

Since then, I have embarked (pun intended) on my journey to run my own dog training business and constantly improve along the way.

I pride myself on 3 P’s of training; Passionate, Proactive and Progressive.

Passionate in guiding and educating pet parents how to connect, understand and achieve beautiful new behaviours with their dogs.

Proactive, so to help avoid certain unwanted behaviours which can commonly occur should training not be done earlier on in a dog’s life.

This is why I LOVE my puppy/junior dog training and has created courses which have different elements to

your average puppy/junior training classes to start you off on the right paw.

Progressive, not just with regards to progressive training methods (such as fear-free and positive reinforcement)

but also providing her clients with the information and support to progress new behaviours

and build stronger relationships which result in a happier dog, pet parent and environment for all.

Volunteering at shelters and sanctuaries is highly valuable and rewarding to me and is something I hope to

continue throughout my career to enrich the lives of animals during their stay in sheltered environments.

My previous professional experience consists of being a doggy daycare assistant, dog walker, pet sitter,

dog trainer and dog park supervisor allowing me vital experience working with a vast amount of different people and dogs.

I can proudly say I am a degree qualified dog training instructor as I achieved a

BSc (hons) Applied Animal Behaviour and Training degree in 2020, along with various other courses which I continue to build upon.

I became a proud canine professional member of the Pet Professional Guild and promises

to advocate for clients and their dogs by guiding them with kind, empathetic and progressive training.

Rebecca Ives (Lady’s owner)

Rebecca has been a dedicated volunteer with the local charity Pet Respect since November 2023, bringing joy and comfort to care home residents and schoolchildren across the region. Accompanied by her beloved therapy dog, Lady, Rebecca visits either a residential care home or a school at least once a week, spreading kindness “one paw at a time.”

Her work is deeply rooted in the charity’s motto: “Treat others as you want to be treated.” Rebecca and Lady embody this philosophy through their warm, engaging visits that often brighten the days of those they meet. Whether it’s a child having a tough day or a care home resident struggling with isolation, Lady’s presence—along with Rebecca’s gentle approach—has a transformative effect.

Lady, a springerdoodle with a flair for entertainment, is known for her impressive repertoire of tricks.

She can play the piano and drums, go shopping with her trolley, tidy up her toys, do the laundry, and even answer questions using her talking buttons.

Her performances are a highlight for many, with residents and students eagerly anticipating what surprises Rebecca will bring in her bag each week.

Rebecca’s journey into therapy dog volunteering began when she noticed Lady’s natural affinity for people.

Inspired by Lady’s gentle interactions with her elderly grandmother and strangers who often commented on how Lady brightened their day, Rebecca pursued the idea seriously while working as a freelance HR consultant.

After seeing a call for volunteers from Pet Respect, she applied and Lady passed the assessment with flying colours—impressing evaluators with her empathy and calm demeanor.

The impact of their visits has been profound. Rebecca recalls moments that have stayed with her, such as a non-verbal child speaking during a walk in the park, or a care home resident with dementia who found joy and connection through Lady’s presence.

These experiences fuel Rebecca’s passion and commitment, motivating her to continue making a difference.

Despite the joy it brings, Rebecca faces challenges—mainly balancing her volunteer work with her professional commitments.

Lady’s love for treats also requires careful management, especially after a vet advised a diet following her enthusiastic reward routine.

Rebecca is proud to share her journey and regularly documents their therapy dog adventures on Instagram (@lady_the_springerdoodle), showcasing the magic of small moments and the power of kindness.