Karen and Peanut officially qualify
Huge congratulations to Karen, one of our Activity Dog Volunteers, who has officially qualified with our Activity Dog Peanut! They are now signed off to work more independently in the supported living care home they visit weekly.
Their partnership is wonderful, and a true testament to Karen’s hard work on Peanut’s training and the lovely relationship they’ve built together.
On their visits, Peanut loves playing bingo with her beanbags, and meeting all the residents. She’s very in tune with people, and takes her time going around the room to meet everyone. She is a calming and affectionate presence in her one-to-one flat visits, brightening everyone’s days.
A big ‘well done!’ to Karen and Peanut, and everyone who has supported them in their journey – what a team.
Successful school sessions for Erica and Darcy
Rehoming Co-ordinator Erica and Activity Dog Darcy have successfully completed two introductory Activity Dog sessions at Frank Wise School in Banbury. This is a new step forwards before being matched with a more permanent placement, which will hopefully start around September time.
Erica and Darcy work beautifully together, supporting the students with Special Educational Needs. There were smiles and giggles all round, with lots of positive engagement with a very chilled out looking Darcy (in fact she nearly fell asleep at the end!). Erica got to show off Darcy’s tricks, with a nose-to-hand touch being a particular favourite with some students asking her to do the same with them.
Watch this space for the next stage!
How our Activity Dogs and their volunteer handlers help
Dogs for Good’s Activity Dogs work out in the community with their wonderful Volunteer Activity Dog Handlers. They visit local organisations regularly, usually once a week, ranging from supported living care homes for adults with Dementia, through to special educational needs (SEN) schools.
Each organisation partnership will have their own goals for the Activity Dog sessions – it could be promoting social interactions, building confidence to get out and about, improving mental wellbeing or even developing literacy skills. This means the dogs and their volunteer handler may be visiting residents one to one, playing dog bingo in a group, supporting children reading in the classroom, going out for wellbeing walks, or showing off their range of talents and tricks.
Interested in volunteering with Dogs for Good? See how you can give your time and make a difference.
