What a great bunch!
Three-year-old Cocker Spaniel Poodle cross, Cooper, has started as a Pets As Therapy dog, and owner Shirley Luxon is happy to visit local groups or care homes with him.
She explained: “I thought it would be nice to visit people that perhaps used to have dogs but no longer can due to their circumstances or heath. It’s been proven that animals can help calm people just by stroking them or being in their company. Cooper loves attention so I thought this is something we could do together. It gives him a wee purpose in life too!”
Pets As Therapy was founded in 1983 to enhance people’s health and wellbeing through visits of trusted volunteers and behaviourally assessed animals. The charity visits hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues all across the UK.
Therapeutic visits can provide friendship, tackle loneliness, provide a holistic approach to treatment for debilitating mental and physical health, and developing children’s confidence.
Pets As Therapy carried out checks to ensure Cooper is up-to-date with his immunisations and accepts treats gently.
Shirley said: “Cooper has such a gentle nature around everyone, be they children or adults or other dogs.
“He loves his food so will often do tricks to try and catch your attention like rolling over or giving you a paw so he will be rewarded with a gravy bone.”
She added: “We have been out on one official visit so far, with several planned in the next few weeks. It was lovely to speak to residents about their dogs and for them to give Cooper lots of attention.”
The pair want to visit more places, particularly nurseries and schools to teach children the best way to approach and behave around dogs. They also to calm more people down at hospitals or hospices, or just to make them smile.
To request a visit, become Pets As Therapy volunteer, or for more information, call 01865 671440 or visit https://petsastherapy.org/