Our Therapy dogs working with children with dog fears, Reading issues, physical and mental health issues. Personally I recently achieved a diploma in Animal assisted Therapy which covered all aspects of working our dogs with everything from PTSD to Dementia, Reading dogs to Cancer patients. I’m currently researching if Bowyer can go on to become a medical detection dog. Meanwhile after seven years as Reading dogs and ten years as Therapy dogs we will continue our work with those that want it and if we can add to the dogs skill set then we will do but if I go to my grave knowing our dogs did some good I’ll be a happy man, what others think of me is irrelevant.
Next time you're having a "down" day, @T_C_E , just flick through your pictures and look at all those smiles your dogs AND YOU have put on so many faces! Because without you, they would probably not have received the training they need to do the work they do, and although they may have their own email addresses (for the kids), there is no way they could book their own appointments!
Next time you're having a "down" day, @T_C_E , just flick through your pictures and look at all those smiles your dogs AND YOU have put on so many faces! Because without you, they would probably not have received the training they need to do the work they do, and although they may have their own email addresses (for the kids), there is no way they could book their own appointments!
I spend many an hour looking through photos and videos.
All I ask of anyone in return is a photo to remind of that persons story as to why they wanted to meet them, normally it’s as simple as they’ve seen photos and love Sheps or they’ve read about the dogs helping me when I’m struggling. I’m not a trained therapist, but people start to talk invariably it starts about the dogs and moves on from there to what’s happening in their lives. People would be very surprised what has evolved from a simple visit from my dogs and it’s not going to be discussed here, but people start to talk about what’s troubling them and as we now know #Talkingisbrilliant 😉 For obvious reasons some people want to remain anonymous and if you knew the story you’d understand why, some are more than happy to have a photo and share their story particularly if they started off fearful. I’ve never put anyone under any pressure to meet them I’ve had children in tears or refusing to leave the car but never has anyone ever left our dogs company without stroking or walking with them however they started out.
I get the stereotypical comments on a daily basis or at least I did until I started wearing a body camera, but I also walk down the street with with my dogs and 200/300 smiling junior school children at home time some of whom have had their reading skills improved by them and that far outweighs any negativity.
People can assume what they like, but come and spend a day with me and the dogs and see what they bring to the table.
Here they are yesterday waiting for preschoolers to come out from lunchtime.
Me, I’m just the lucky bugger on the other end of the lead.
There are, I believe Therapy dogs owned by individuals offering a paid for service and obviously two or three charities offering a free service, one of which my dogs belong too. Sadly over and above the school visits they don’t want me or anyone else meeting individuals as it’s outside their insurance cover, so most of my visits never get spoken about on my FB page as one or two people like to report back and I keep getting letters about what I can and can’t do 😂 Obviously those extra curricular visits are privately funded and I try to group them together so they insurance paid for by the week covers them all.
As with most things it’s a huge ar5e covering enterprise but I won’t cut corners to give the powers that be any ammunition, it’s not worth the grief.
Fortunately, Granddaughter Millie’s expertise with the dogs helps us breakdown barriers with parents and will accompany us on visits when needed.
They leave nothing, you could swab my gaff for his DNA and you’d find nothing. 😉🤷♂️
It was amusing that evening, obviously @Redmidland is quite confident around big dogs so didn’t put JJ away who can be a little loud if you show nerves.
All the the dogs run up to say hi, JJ’s brakes failed and he nutted Red straight in the bollx after checking he hadn’t hurt my dog me and the good lady had a little chuckle while Red did a stock check 😂
They leave nothing, you could swab my gaff for his DNA and you’d find nothing. 😉🤷♂️
It was amusing that evening, obviously @Redmidland is quite confident around big dogs so didn’t put JJ away who can be a little loud if you show nerves.
All the the dogs run up to say hi, JJ’s brakes failed and he nutted Red straight in the bollx after checking he hadn’t hurt my dog me and the good lady had a little chuckle while Red did a stock check 😂
It’s absolutely the case that dogs know if you are ‘dog person’ or not - very intelligent beasts
Our dogs welcoming granddaughter Millie to the house, all very controlled. No climbing on the dogs or grabbing them around the neck, likewise the dogs know they stay off the furniture and no jumping up at her. We allow Bowyer a peck on the check. 😉
My 2 boys Buster and Bodie at Hall Place this afternoon - being Springer Spaniels they love the water of course - I didn’t realise just how much it’s rained overnight - the river was very high and fast flowing - even Bodie (who is the strongest swimmer by far) struggled with the current
Bodie is on the grass - Buster in the water - Bodie is the boss (!!) - of the 2 of them, I have no doubt Bodie would have made the grade as Police or Army etc dog - he is very very bright - Buster is a lovely lad, but would not make the grade - but I love them both equally
Skip's been with us for six months now from rescue and he's turning into a very confident and clever dog.
Just look at him ! SO lovely !
May I ask which Rescue you applied to, please as I try to support as many as I can, albeit more needy cases in Romania, Azerbaijan & Bosnia. SUCH atrocities & cruelty there, especially with regards to puppies & pregnant bitches.
Thanks, Jean. He's fabulous and fortunately was only in the home for less than a week so it didn't leave any mark on him. He came from Last Chance rescue at Edenbridge.
Taken in between lockdowns last year, young Bowyer was nigh kidnapped by these lovely ladies who watched him interacting with the children while they took turns to deal with parents who seem to think parking restrictions outside a school don’t apply to them.
Thanks, Jean. He's fabulous and fortunately was only in the home for less than a week so it didn't leave any mark on him. He came from Last Chance rescue at Edenbridge.
Checking our little rescue girl this morning, Xena has a mass growth on her gum line. Hoping it’s nothing serious but almost 11 years old she won’t be operated on should it be necessary. 😢
Thanks folks, I’m hoping she’s just got caught by one of Bowyer’s teeth when playing and it’s got infected. (She does have a habit of putting her head in his mouth) 🤷♂️
It’s not painful to touch, but I’m already thinking the vet will suggest biopsy/operation rather than something to let her see out her days with dignity, her sister who she was rescued with died at 5 years old so to get to her age is fantastic, we are so lucky even though she’s not been the easiest of dogs. Lol
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Because without you, they would probably not have received the training they need to do the work they do, and although they may have their own email addresses (for the kids), there is no way they could book their own appointments!
And you are quite right - you do wonderful work, and sod those who don’t appreciate it
For obvious reasons some people want to remain anonymous and if you knew the story you’d understand why, some are more than happy to have a photo and share their story particularly if they started off fearful. I’ve never put anyone under any pressure to meet them I’ve had children in tears or refusing to leave the car but never has anyone ever left our dogs company without stroking or walking with them however they started out.
Reading your stories about all those lucky people that have benefitted from your help always brings a tear to my eye.
I can't believe there are too many others providing such a service in the UK.
A one off, for sure.
My view this morning, they are all on a days R & R, but they know I’m going to vacuum. Just as they’ve settled. 😂
@T_C_E what did you do with the bones ??
Bodie is on the grass - Buster in the water - Bodie is the boss (!!) - of the 2 of them, I have no doubt Bodie would have made the grade as Police or Army etc dog - he is very very bright - Buster is a lovely lad, but would not make the grade - but I love them both equally
May I ask which Rescue you applied to, please as I try to support as many as I can, albeit more needy cases in Romania, Azerbaijan & Bosnia. SUCH atrocities & cruelty there, especially with regards to puppies & pregnant bitches.
Bless heart & bless you for rescuing him. x
Whatever the outcome, I'm sure she has had a good doggy life since joining your family and pack, and that you will make the right choices for her.
Good luck.