Make use of your dog to give back to the community

It’s difficult to maintain your true personality when confined to a hospital bed dealing with challenges or confronting stressors.

Paws 4 U visits numerous institutions to render emotional support as a form of therapy to everyone who is challenged.

The organisation instils educational programmes and training of dogs. These dogs are then accompanied by human handlers who dedicate their time to give back to the community during therapy sessions.

The skilled pets are the significant role players in the process as they are the ones offering the service.

According to the chairperson, Eileen Calvert, the reason they chose to use dogs is dogs do not judge nor appraise.

Calvert said a visit from a therapy dog allows one to draw a sense of calm, love, peace and complete acceptance of self because dogs give unconditional love and have an instinctive awareness of where there is a need for comfort.

She also noted that it is important that all dogs must be approached with respect.

“These dogs must also be allowed their space because they also have boundaries. This is where dog handlers step in,” said Calvert.

Paws 4 U visits facilities, such as old-age homes, hospitals, hospices, homes for children with special needs, special-needs schools and retirement facilities.

The mission behind the Paws 4 U is to provide therapy sessions to whoever may need support or is going through a difficult time.

Calvert also mentioned that dogs are used as therapy providers because their presence lowers blood pressure and can bring strength to an individual’s soul.

A volunteer of Paws 4 U, Rose Stafford, said all the dogs are fully vaccinated, their teeth are washed daily, mouths are fully cleansed, nails are cut and they all have their veterinary certificates.

“Prospective volunteers need to go through an assessment along with their dogs to ensure that the dogs will not harm or injure a patient,” said Stafford.

Paws 4 U is desperately looking for more volunteers that can do charity work along with their pets.

Rose added that the maximum time a volunteer can work is 45 minutes once a week and prioritise the dogs’ lives.
Calvert added to become a volunteer, one must respect animals, personal space and the bond between dog and handler.

To become a therapy dog handler and team:

• Handler and dog must pass the evaluation for sustainability

• Puppies must be 18 months and older

• Handlers must be at least 12 years old, if under 18, they must be accompanied by a qualified adult trainer

• Both handler and dog must have a good personality

Anyone who wishes to be a volunteer can request application forms via email at rosestafford101@gmail.com or contact 083 612 0822.

Facilities that need a visit from a therapy dog can visit www.paws4u.org or email info@paws4u.org

For more information, contact Calvert on 082 397 4303.