POLOKWANE – Laerskool Ivypark receives special visitors every Tuesday to Thursday through the Pets as Therapy (PAT) team’s weekly programme, Reading Education Assistance Dogs.

The initiative provides invaluable support to some of the learners in the school to enrich the Ivypark community.

Community-based outreach initiative

PAT is a community-based, voluntary outreach organisation that coordinates animal-assisted activities in a range of settings.

They also organise for animal guardians and their animal companions – mainly dogs – to visit people in schools, hospices, retirement homes, frail care facilities, residential centres and various other venues.

Benefits of animal-assisted activities

The organisation’s visits aim to bring company, support, comfort, pleasure, stress relief, and stimulation for individuals and in the community.

Learners meet Makai the therapy dog

During the visit this week, Ivypark learners met Makai the dog, who was excited to see them, and also showed them a few tricks like greeting with his paw, during the visit, while also getting support to improve and sharpen their reading skills.

Scientific backing for therapy

Ursula van der Walt, who came along with Makai, said there is much scientific evidence showing that the interaction between humans and other animals is therapeutic – physically, emotionally, psychologically and socially.