BIG-HEARTED Otto has a new role in life.

The 10-stone leonberger has become a Pets As Therapy (Pat) dog for the elderly.

Cuddly Otto, who lives with his owner Susan Elliott, of Honley, visits residential homes twice a week to meet people.

He visits people living at Meadow Court in Slaithwaite, Moorland Grange at Netherton, Castle Grange in Newsome and the Colne Valley Residential Home in Milnsbridge.

Susan said: “Otto loves his new job. He licks them and gives them a paw. He’s such a good dog and his placid nature makes him ideal for this.”

Pat is a registered charity and organises animals to visit residential homes on a regular basis.

And there’s more good news in the Otto camp.

Otto, whose pedigree name is Jantonley Addicted To Love, has again qualified for Crufts this year.

And his good friend Bumble has had 13 puppies, her first litter.

Although Otto is not the father he is looking forwards to having Bumble back home when the puppies, worth £1,000 each, have gone to new homes in about 10 weeks.

The leonberger originated in Germany and is a cross between a St Bernard and a Newfoundland dog.