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2026 marks 50 years of compassionate service provided by Sobell House Hospice in Oxfordshire. To honour this occasion, two staff members of the Sobell House charity team - Hailey and Deborah - will strive to explore 50 new dog walk destinations. This challenge will take place throughout the year and we welcome company on these adventures.
Join us, support us, and help fund Sobell House Hospice for the next 50 years.
Celebrating 50 Years, One Walk At A Time
Celebrating 50 Years, One Walk At A Time
Your donation helps Sobell House continue to provide compassionate care for patients and families across Oxfordshire. Every contribution fuels our journey through all 50 walks. DONATE on JUSTGIVING above.
Follow the adventures of our official walk captains — the dogs are on a mission to explore 50 new paths!
Dogs have always played an important role at Sobell House...
Dogs have always played an important role at Sobell House...
Dr Michael Minton —
“I had a dog called Jack, and she often came into the hospice with me at weekends, greeting patients before curling up under my desk. Jack was heavily pregnant and unusually restless one day, so I brought her in rather than leave her at home. During my afternoon clinic a nurse slipped a note under the door saying her waters had broken. By the time I finished, five puppies had been born under my desk. Staff and even visiting children came to see them. A sixth arrived later that night. It was one of those unexpected, joyful hospice moments.”
In January 1993, the hospice saw its first birth. Dr Michael Minton's dog Jack gave birth to 6 puppies. Four of the litter found their forever homes with staff of Sobell House! Jack later became the hospice's first informal PAT dog.
Dr Michael Minton holding one of the puppies born under his desk in 1993.
Jack at Port Meadow
Jack at University Parks
Jack's puppies
The Pets as Therapy charity was found in 1983 and has been a regular support for patients since the 1990s. For more than thirty years, therapy dogs have visited patients at Sobell House, bringing calm, comfort, and a sense of peace.
The Pets as Therapy charity was found in 1983 and has been a regular support for patients since the 1990s. For more than thirty years, therapy dogs have visited patients at Sobell House, bringing calm, comfort, and a sense of peace.
Polly, Sobell 'PAT' Dog, (Pets as Therapy)
Volunteers and staff entertain patients with a dog show in the 1980s
Leisha (volunteer dog) and friend in the Day Centre, 2007
Bertie is one of Sobell House's current PAT dogs
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