Dogs are on top of their game
When they hosted their first luncheon at Ebotse Golf and Country Estate, the Garland Ladies Luncheon Club had Top Dogs as their special guests.
Terri Hankin, president of Garland Ladies Luncheon Club, said Top Dogs is changing the lives of many.
“They love what they do and they are very passionate about it,” she said.
Angie Thornton addressed guests and spoke about the services Top Dogs provide to hospitals, frail care centres, children’s homes, homeless shelters and hospices.
Established in 2008, the organisation runs programmes in the East Rand, the West Rand, Tshwane and Johannesburg.
They provide Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) to these facilities which involves the public interacting with animals to improve stimulation, memory and communication with patients or clients.
AAA also provides support and company to clients or patients.
“This makes the patients feel as if someone is there,” said Thornton.
“It also makes someone’s day.”
According to Thornton, this form of therapy lowers the blood pressure of patients.
Animal Assistant Therapy (AAT) is used to achieve certain goals such as increasing the mobility of a patient after he or she has had a stroke.
Handlers and dogs teach children how not to be afraid of dogs and animals in general.
The dogs also help children who have been abused to find healing, by telling the dogs their stories.
“Through our education and learning programme, children learn how to read correctly,” said Thornton.
“This builds their self-esteem and enables them to live an improved life.”
Apart from therapy and learning, children also learn how to give and receive love.
Animal Educational Programmes (AEP) teaches one how to take care of dogs and how to avoid being bitten.
Thornton said it is rewarding to see children who used to be afraid of dogs, smile confidently while interacting with them at the end of the programme.
Top Dogs are looking for more volunteers to become dog handlers.
For more information, send an email to info@therapytopdogs.co.za or visit www.therapytopdogs.co.za
Cheer Fund for abused, needy animals
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
