GLENVISTA resident Sue Green and her Joy Dogs have continued to show their support to residents of the Hamlet Foundation in Regents Park.
On Thursday, July 2, Sue and the Joy Dogs celebrated Oscar’s sixth birthday with and treated Hamlet residents to cake.
“The residents all look forward to the dogs coming to visit and love seeing their tricks. They also help to brush the dogs and take them for a little run. Many of the residents have overcome their fear of the dogs and are now willing to touch them. The Joy Dogs work as therapy dogs and the benefits are enormous and people now have something to look forward to and talk about. Interacting with dogs has shown to reduce blood pressure and stress and enhances the release of endorphins,” said Green.
“The residents at Hamlet who cannot work really look forward to Oscar’s visits, and talk about him afterwards. They love to see Sue teaching him tricks. He seems to relax them and they can stroke him without fear. Even those who are withdrawn and seldom react are attracted to reach out to him. He really brings them joy,” said Pat Hill, a parent to one of Hamlet’s residents.
Sue offers this dog therapy on a voluntarily basis and would like to increase her sessions and visit other institutions. In order for the valuable work to continue, Sue is asking for assistance in covering her costs. To contribute to the Joy Dogs initiative contact Sue on 082 455 8634 or for more information visit www.joydogs.co.za
