Paws For People Therapy Dog Unit

Therapy Dog Unit

What we are all about?

Paws for people is a therapy dog unit based in Roodepoort ,South AFrica. Our objective is to bring the "magic" of dogs to disabled people and children, who would otherwise not have access to these animals. All dogs in the unit have undergone extensive training and are carefully screened and tested.

What do therapy dogs do?

The bond between Animals and Humans is unquestionable. Through this bond Therapy Dogs offer compassion, support and companionship to children and adults during serious disability, whether permanent or temporary. The following benefits will be evident:

The visiting animals provide emotional release as residents, as well as staff, watch and laugh at their expressions and games.

Our visits provide a distraction, which is restful and positive. The patient has the opportunity to be the caregiver instead of the helpless recipient. This enables them to be the nurturer and to feel needed.

The patients have the opportunity to speak about their own pleasant memories to friendly volunteers.

It is a chance for the person to receive unconditional acceptance and above all, love.

Our pets do not care how a person looks or moves. With the warmth of our pets, even the most withdrawn adult or child will respond.

The action of touching is not always socially acceptable in humans. But feels welcome and positive with an animal. The sense of touch is one of the first senses a person develops and is one of the lasts to go.

about us

The concept of therapy dogs is relatively new here in S. A. but research in the states has shown that the results are all good. It takes a very special dog to become a therapy dog and the screening is very strict and extensive. It is happy and fulfilling work for both dog and handler. If you like what you see and would like us to visit your facility please contact us.

Therapy dogs love having someone else to love

(011)-768-3643 & Fax Or E-Mail

lesley.deklerk@pixie.co.za