Despite the unseasonal weather, Reepham WI went ahead on Thursday afternoon, 20 July, with their “summer” meeting.
After a presentation by Pets as Therapy, women enjoyed socialising over cups of tea and delicious home-made cakes.
Carole Adams, Norfolk volunteer area co-ordinator and dog temperament assessor, and team member Wendy Jones gave an informative and emotional account of the work the charity carries out.
Wendy brought along her companion, Lacee, one of the 4,000 dogs currently deployed nationally as therapy dogs.
Lacee. Photo: Wendy Jones
The charity was founded 40 years ago by Lesley Scott-Ordish, a journalist and dog breeder. Her initial aim was to counter negative press at the time about dog ownership.
While carrying out this work, she became aware of the high number of people who were distressed at giving up pets when relocating into care homes. Hence the idea of dogs, and also cats, offering comfort came into being.
Pets as Therapy currently goes into care homes, hospitals, prisons and schools – a revelation to most of us.
Carole shared several anecdotes, the most poignant being of one gentleman with dementia who, reluctant at first to interact, slowly bonded with a therapy dog.
It later transpired he was a Crufts judge and as this “friendship” developed brought back many happy memories for him.
Pets as Therapy dogs are also taken into schools and used as “reading companions”. Children who are nervous, bullied or have mental health issues read out loud to dogs to gain skills as, of course, dogs are not in any way judgemental.
One little boy who had previously been badly bitten, overcame his fears of dogs and established an unbreakable bond with Lacee. This in turn gave him confidence as he was also being bullied – a heart-wrenching tale.
It has been proven that interaction with pets, stroking, walking and feeding them lowers blood pressure, combats loneliness and depression and generally increases all round well-being.
Anyone with a pet they think has the right temperament can apply to be a volunteer. Carole is contactable by email. The charity is funded solely by donations.
Reepham WI meets every third Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm in St Michael’s, Reepham.