Healing Paws Therapy: Supporting Emotional Wellbeing Across Cheshire for Children, Families and Care Communities

From helping children build confidence to bringing comfort and companionship to care home residents, Healing Paws Therapy is making a meaningful difference across Cheshire.

Healing Paws Therapy, founded by Martina Adams and based in Macclesfield, offers emotional support through the unique and powerful bond between people and therapy dog, Lolly. The service supports individuals of all ages, from young children to elderly residents and those receiving medical care.

Since launching in April 2025, Healing Paws Therapy has developed a gentle, reassuring approach that is already building trust among families, schools and care professionals across the local community.

A Purpose-Driven Journey with Growing Impact

Since starting the service, Martina and Lolly have quickly become a familiar and welcome presence across a variety of settings.

Their work includes visits to local care homes, where Lolly’s calm and affectionate nature brings comfort, connection and moments of joy, particularly for residents living with dementia. Many of these visits have developed into regular sessions, offering not just interaction, but something to look forward to.

Clarendon Care Home in Nantwich said:

“Lolly made such a positive impact on our residents, bringing furry joy to so many. Her visit noticeably reduced stress for some residents while promoting positive moods and overall wellbeing.”

They have also supported individuals within hospital settings, as well as specialist environments such as autism centres, where the positive impact has led to repeat visits. More recently, Healing Paws Therapy has established an ongoing presence within a local high school, supporting students’ emotional wellbeing.

Alongside this, Martina works closely with families across Cheshire, providing one-to-one sessions for children experiencing anxiety, low confidence, autism, or ADHD. These sessions are designed to be different — creating a completely safe, non-judgemental space where children can simply be themselves. Through play-based interaction such as reading, drawing, crafting, and even dancing with Lolly, children are gently supported to build trust, express their emotions, and grow in confidence at their own pace.

Abby, a parent, said:

“My daughter struggles with anxiety and Lolly has really helped her. Martina is wonderful at keeping her relaxed during the sessions — they dance, exercise and have fun together. It’s made such a difference.”

The “Borrow Me” companionship service also offers meaningful connection for individuals experiencing loneliness, giving them the opportunity to spend time with Lolly through gentle walks, companionship, and calm interaction — bringing comfort, routine, and a sense of connection.

Martina Adams said:

“We wanted to create something a little different for children , a space where they feel safe and free to be themselves.”

“Through play, whether that’s reading, drawing or simply spending time together, children naturally build confidence and trust with Lolly. Because she is completely non-judgemental, they often open up in ways they might not otherwise.

For those experiencing loneliness, she brings comfort, connection and joy. I always say — I’m not the therapist, Lolly is.”

Supporting Children Beyond Sessions

To further support children’s emotional development, Martina has also created a series of children’s books, including How to Greet a Dog and The Zones of Regulation: A Colouring Journey with Lolly.

These resources help children understand their emotions, build confidence, and learn how to safely and positively interact with dogs in a fun and engaging way.

Meet Lolly:

At the heart of Healing Paws Therapy is Lolly , a gentle and intuitive Golden Retriever who passed her therapy dog assessment in January 2025.

Her calm and friendly nature helps create a safe, non-judgemental environment where children feel comfortable to be themselves, and where adults and elderly individuals can experience comfort and companionship.

To learn more or arrange a friendly, no-obligation chat:

Martina Adams
Founder, Healing Paws Therapy
📞 07714019549
📧 healingpawstherapy@hotmail.com
🌐 www.healingpawstherapy.co.uk

Pictured - Lolly, a Golden Retriever.