GALLERY and VIDEO: Paw-erful magic with Paws for People
NORTHWOLD – Therapy dogs visit Ann Harding Cheshire Home to support the residents.
Three fluffy, slobbering and friendly therapy dogs from Paws for People spent time at the Ann Harding Cheshire Homes in Northwold on 28 July.
Trio unit, Jackie Dickens, Jenny Williams and Gail Mackenzie brought their special therapy dogs, Romeo (boxer), Cowboy (black Labrador) and Mac (golden retriever).
Together they walked around the home visiting all the residents.
Each encounter brought an utterly goose-bump smile to their faces – all three dogs were reuniting with regular friends.
Resident Pete Leyds immediately recognised Cowboy and Romeo.
Williams explained how each dog goes through a long vetting process. This is to make sure that they are trained, calm, responsive and well behaved.
“You can really see the amazing effects these visits have on the patients, at every home or hospital,” said Williams.
She added that on one occasion a little boy in hospital experienced a drop in blood pressure while petting her dog Cowboy.
Paws for People are a South African-based non-profit organisation that offers “animal assisted therapy and animal assisted activity programmes in Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and their sister unit in Cape Town, Paw Pals.”
Each volunteer handler and dog team are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of patients, children and the residents they visit.
Ann Harding fundraising and marketing manager Jackie Kyle said, “It is amazing to see how much each of our residents enjoy the dogs coming – they are so patient and show their love with lots of kisses.”
Details: Paws for People lesley.deklerk@pixie.co.za
