Taking a pa(w)use for awareness
During the Paws for People Therapy Dogs awareness week, the East Rand unit spread some love among the shoppers on their visit to the East Rand Mall from June 3 to 8.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2014/06/25-BA-COM-DOGS-ID_528829630.jpg)
According to the East Rand unit leader, Eileen Calvert, the idea was to allow the public and children to interact with the therapy dogs.
“We are also trying to encourage those who have a suitable dog to think about sharing their dog with facilities such as frailcare, hospice, hospitals, Sanca and learners with special needs,” says Calvert.
“Dogs have to go through an assessment, as they are exposed to unfamiliar noises and objects while ‘working’, like lifts, noisy tea trolleys, wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches. They don’t get exposed to such things at home.”
![One-year-old Leeray Ely is getting a tender cuddle from golden retriever, Rudi, at the Paws for People Therapy Dog awareness week.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2014/06/25-BA-COM-DOGS-ID_551270245-423x317.jpg)
The mission of Paws for People is to responsibly bring together domestic animals and people in a non-threatening and educational manner – encouraging and allowing them to interact positively through a professional and friendly approach.
If you would like to get involved with Paws for People, visit the website at www.pawsforpeople.co.za or contact Eileen on 082 397 4303. – @IschkeBoksburg