Jazz, Oscar and Yola (the JOY dogs, an acronym bestowed upon the trio by their owner) brought along their owner, trainer and spokesperson Sue Green – along with assistant Megan von Maltitz – to perform their cute and cuddly form of canine-based therapy to the bobbas and zaidas (grandmas and grandpas) of the home.
The JOY dogs are all members of the pastoral Old English Sheep Dog breed – also affectionately nicknamed the Bobtail dog because the breed’s tail used to be docked, or cut short, years ago. Another term for docking an animal’s tail is to bob the animal’s tail.
Jazz is the naughty one, the centre of attention and the cheekiest of the three. Oscar is ‘cool, calm and collected,’ bringing dignity and composure to the show. Yolla is a closet ‘hooligan’ – crazy in private but shy and quiet in public.
Together the trio ‘count’, roll, ‘read’ and jump their way into their audience’s hearts.
Green fell in love with this breed when she imported her first Bobtail from Europe 14 years ago. “They are very intelligent dogs,” she said.
They have been performing since 2011, providing therapy for the tactile deficient, the elderly and children; and have worked with a psychiatrist and social worker and have been used in a support group.
“They are also very expensive – there are no breeders in South Africa so I had to import all of mine for up to R40 000 per dog,” said Green.
But Green simply wouldn’t have any other breed of dog. “I love this breed too much.”
Von Maltitz had a special day, as this was the first time she had helped the JOY dogs volunteering with Green. “I asked Sue [Green] if I could help her out because of my love for animals – particularly for dogs,” said Von Maltitz.
“It is wonderful to see dogs being used for what they’re best at – making people happy.”
Green also acts as the dog’s marketing agent, selling scarves made from the dog’s hair, a book about Oscar’s story, and Bobtail look-alike toys.
Details: www.joydogs.co.za
