A golden retriever who regularly brings comfort to our patients at Trinity has captured the hearts of millions after a chance encounter on a London Paddington to Swansea train.

Max, Trinity's two-year-old therapy dog, was filmed gently moving through a packed carriage before getting off at Newport, offering calm and connection to passengers. The moment was viewed more than six million times within days and continues to gain traction on Instagram and TikTok.

The video was captured by a fellow passenger, who later shared it on social media with the caption: “On a packed train all you need is a wandering golden retriever to lift the mood”.

Passengers, many of whom had been standing in crowded conditions earlier in the journey, were visibly lifted by Max’s calm and friendly presence as he moved through the carriage.

But Max’s story began far from the UK. Born in Singapore, he was brought to the UK by his owner, Christopher Jenkins, following the loss of his brother in 2024. Returning home to support his grieving mother, Christopher quickly noticed the profound effect Max’s gentle presence had.
“At a time when my mum was understandably struggling to cope and didn’t want to leave the house, Max just seemed to know what to do,” says Christopher. “His presence was soothing and he brought a sense of comfort that made a real difference.”

Golden retrievers are widely known for their gentle and intuitive nature, and Max’s calm temperament quickly proved to be something special. Recognising that Max’s presence could help others, Christopher explored ways to channel this into something meaningful.

Following a comment from a friend who had seen Max interacting with customers in a London café, the idea of therapy work took shape. He went on to qualify with Pets As Therapy and now spends time each week visiting our patients at Trinity. 

His impact is immediate and profound. From sitting quietly beside a patient, offering a comforting presence to families, or simply bringing a moment of lightness, Max provides small but meaningful relief during some of life’s most difficult moments.

“Whether it’s children, elderly patients, or their families, you can see the change in people almost instantly,” Christopher adds. “It’s a privilege to see the difference he makes. We jokingly call him our ‘anti-depressant dog’.”

The video has sparked widespread interest in the role of therapy animals in healthcare and educational settings and the comfort they can bring in moments of distress.
Christopher now hopes that Max’s viral moment will help raise awareness of the work of therapy animals and the vital role they can play in emotional wellbeing and end-of-life care.

Max has since launched his own social media presence under the handle @TherapyDogMax_ where his journey continues to resonate with a growing global audience.

Max and Christopher are currently based in Clapham, London, where they plan to continue their work supporting those who need it most.
To view the video that turned Max into an internet sensation, follow this link: Instagram

Notes to Editors
About Royal Trinity Hospice
Royal Trinity Hospice is a leading hospice charity based in London, providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for their families and loved ones. Its services include inpatient care, community nursing, and bereavement support, helping individuals live well for as long as possible with comfort, dignity, and compassion. The hospice also offers a range of wellbeing and support services tailored to the needs of patients and those close to them.
@royaltrinityhospice  and www.royaltrinityhospice.london

About Pets As Therapy
Pets As Therapy is a UK charity that enhances health and wellbeing by providing visits from friendly, temperament-assessed animals. Working with a network of dedicated volunteers and their pets, the organisation supports people in a variety of settings including hospitals, hospices, care homes, schools, and prisons. These visits help reduce stress, improve mood, and bring comfort and companionship to those who may be experiencing illness, isolation, or challenging circumstances.
@petsastherapy_uk and www.petsastherapy.org

For media enquiries and to arrange an interview with Max please contact:
Bronwen Armor of Bronwen Armor Communications
07720 753827
[email protected]