Dogs on top of the world
DOUGLASDALE - ‘Touch Our Pets’ better known as Top Dogs, is an organisation that aims to bring smiles to all with rehabilitated dogs.
The organisation was formed in 2008 by experienced handlers on the East Rand and has slowly expanded into all regions in Johannesburg.
The vice-president and team leader, Conor Hughes runs the northern suburbs’ branch of the organisation.
“At Top Dogs we train and teach our dogs to interact and mingle with people, we train them to be obedient, taking into consideration their different breeds,” commented Hughes.
Hughes regularly organisers day trips to retirement villages, schools, townships and even prisons, which allows the dogs to interact with people of all ages.
Recently Hughes and her team visited the Douglasdale Retirement Village Frail Care Unit, where a meet and greet session was held.
“We do this every month at least; it has allowed us and the dogs to go in and visit the people who need to be cheered up the most,” said Sarah Patterson-Emms, a member of the organisation.
Patterson-Emms and her dog Layla have been members for a year and Layla has recently qualified as a Top Dog representative, allowing her to interact with other dogs and individuals in the programme.
“There are three observer visits we have to do without our dogs and then six with our dogs; after that we are accredited,” she added.
The Top Dog organisation believes there are many benefits which people derive from interaction with companion animals like dogs.
“People who are old, sick, frail, or incapacitated in some way, and who cannot keep dogs of their own, have been shown to gain positive health benefits from therapy dog visits,” commented Hughes.
The morning was filled with joyous laughter from the residents who spoilt the dogs with treats.
Hughes stressed that they are desperate for more handlers and encourages all dog lovers to join this organisation.
What a fabulous organisation. It has been proved that purring cats aid in healing after operations. Something to do with the frequency & vibrations their purring generates that helps bones knit quicker and tissues heal faster. I would love to have my pets with me if I had to be in hospital for anything!