Wagging tails bring wide smiles
Lowveld Dog Training recently visited Herfsakker Old Age Home with some of its therapy dogs.
Nothing compares to the joy of a loyal companion’s unconditional love and company.
“Dogs know how to be loving by focusing on a person all the time. The simple act of petting a dog or any other animal releases a relaxed response of calmness and elicits positive responses,” said Pam Hughes of Lowveld Dog Training.
She and her team of therapy dogs of the training centre recently visited Herfsakker Old Age Home as part of their and the Care Buddies’ community service.
The joy exhibited by the elderly was heart-warming. The dogs’ visit triggered great excitement among them, with many smiles and plenty of reminiscing of wonderful stories of the days when they had their own pets.
“Dog or animal therapy has been proven to be beneficial to the elderly, sick, children with learning problems, cancer patients, and many others suffering from ailments. Some of the beneficial effects of touching or stroking of a pet include promoting calmness, decreasing anxiety, assisting with emotional problems, lowering blood pressure, reducing loneliness, reducing pain levels and building bridges for social interaction,” said Hughes.
The Herfsakker residents enjoyed a wonderful tea provided by the Care Buddies, and then went on to have lots of unconditional love, petting and laughing with the dogs.
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