Most dog owners know the joy that a four-legged furry friend brings to their life.
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And vice versa.
But some pooches can also make a difference beyond their family unit.
Delta Therapy Dogs is an organisation that connects outgoing canines with people who can benefit from their affection, from children in hospital, to aged care facilities and Mai-Wel.
Voluntary regional co-ordinator Pam Withers said the organisation needed volunteers in the Maitland area to donate a small amount of time each week.
“Anyone who’s got a dog that’s people friendly, obedient, in good health [can volunteer],” Ms Withers said.
“And it’s got to be 18 months of age or 10 [years] and under.
“And any breed of dog [can enrol], as long as they can visit once a week or once a fortnight at the very least.”
Ms Withers said four dogs in the Maitland area had been retired, which meant the the organisation could not meet demand.
“We haven’t got enough [volunteers],” Ms Withers said.
“I’m short of volunteers in Morisset, I’m short of volunteers around Cessnock and Maitland.
“I need about four volunteers from Maitland to replace dogs that have retired.
“I just can’t keep up with the demand. I’ve got facilities knocking on the door and I just can’t supply enough dogs.
“We have to replace a dog at Mt Carmel [Village], two at Green Hills, one at Mai-Wel – they’re just replacement dogs.
“Each dog is assigned to the one facility for consistency to the resident.”
A therapy dog can also comfort and calm a child during a medical procedure.
“We’ve had lots of cases where [the children] have to have cannulas put in and the child talks to the dog and it takes their mind off having the treatment,” she said.
Karla McIntosh chaffeurs her whippet cross kelpie Jax to the rehabilitation unit and children’s ward at Maitland Hospital.
“After seeing the way that Jax responded to people, especially the elderly, I thought we could share him,” Ms McIntosh said.
“Everyone at the hospital is friendly, and both the staff’s and patients’ faces light up when they see [Jax].”
Ms McIntosh would recommend becoming a Delta Therapy Dogs volunteer to others.
“I think it’s a great idea, for everyone,” she said.
Volunteers need to fill out an application form and their pet must pass a vet check.
Then the pet owner needs to have one day’s training and the dog goes through an assessment.
Anyone interested in volunteering should phone Ms Withers on 4943 1110.
Delta Therapy Dogs will host a grant application information night with proceeds from entry tickets raising money for the program.
Anyone interested in advice on applying for community grants should attend.
The evening is presented by “The Grants Guy” Keith Whelan.
Delta Therapy Dogs is also seeking sponsors for the night, which will be held at East Maitland Bowling Club on March 24 from 6pm to 9pm.
Tickets are $50 for the public and $25 for Delta Therapy Dogs volunteers.
Tea and coffee will be served.
Phone Pam Withers on 0411 488 222.
