Our Special Friends (OSF) is a grassroots charity in Suffolk helping people whose pet plays an integral role in their mental health and wellbeing but who face circumstances which put this crucial bond in jeopardy. Every day, Our Special Friends is approached by people in difficulty, desperate not to give up their beloved pet and vital source of comfort - or whose age, health, or other circumstances make pet ownership impossible. The majority of our clients are elderly, but we work with any adult who is experiencing a time of vulnerability or crisis. OSF holistically assesses each case and provides bespoke solutions to maximise health and welfare outcomes. Our Animal Companionship Support Services include: Providing foster care for pets in times of crisis, such as admission to hospital or mental health unit, fleeing domestic abuse, or accessing temporary housing, with the aim to reunite pet and owner when the crisis is resolved Dog walking by volunteers when owners have limited mobility and including volunteers accompanying owners who struggle to walk their dog(s) alone Contributing towards veterinary and non-veterinary care costs when owners are in financial difficulty and face losing their beloved pet Arranging for volunteers to provide transport to vets’ appointments when owners do not drive, and public transport is not available Our Special Friends services ensure that beloved pets are not permanently relinquished due to temporary crises. Through preserving animal companionship, OSF increases human mental health and wellbeing, reduces anxiety and improves physical health, whilst also striving for optimum animal health and welfare. OSF is entirely reliant on the generosity of supporters to continue providing our innovative range of services.