Man’s best friend has proved to be a pillar of comfort
JOHANNESBURG – A voluntary organisation cautions that there are boundaries to be maintained when getting acquainted with animals.
A voluntary organisation, consisting of handlers and their trained dogs, visits various facilities across the province to offer emotional support to children and adults alike.
According to Trish Keegan from Paws 4 U Therapy, the organisation visits special needs schools, retirement facilities, frail care units and hospitals, at this stage, in Forest Town, Parktown and Sandringham. The volunteers are, however, always open to any other facility that requests them.
“The idea behind the programme is for the dogs to serve as a kind of therapy as people interact with them. The roots of the programme go back to 1929 when it was found that when a person stroked a dog, the dog’s blood pressure dropped. Years later, it was discovered that the person’s blood pressure also drops, therefore, bringing a sense of peacefulness,” Keegan explained.
She added that animals are well-suited for therapy because they don’t judge. Studies also show that when a dog comes into a room, people become more aware and more talkative.
“Paws 4 U also offers animal-assisted activity and pet education programmes. The animals used in therapy have their teeth and ears cleaned daily, their nails clipped, they are bathed regularly, tick and flea monthly, dewormed and fully vaccinated, and they have veterinary certification.”
Eileen Calvert also from Paws 4 U, added that there are boundaries to be observed, “All dogs, including therapy dogs, are to be approached with respect and must be allowed their space. This is where the dog’s handler, in tune with the dog’s needs, steps in.
“Part of the therapy dog interaction includes teaching people about pet education, bite avoidance and caring for others which allows for all to learn about respecting animals, personal space and the bond between dog and handler.”
Calvert concluded handler and dog must pass the evaluation for suitability to become a potential therapy dog or a part of the handler team.
Details: To become a Paws 4 U volunteer, please contact Trish Keegan trishk@absamail.co.za or Eileen Calvert at Eileen.calvert1@absamail.co.za
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