Sector Spotlight: Bear The Therapy Dog

Tell us a bit about your organisation

Therapy Dogs Nationwide are an organisation where my owner Chris and I, Bear, volunteer our time to go to establishments, community groups and organisations to provide comfort, distraction and stimulation.

Therapy dogs are well behaved, friendly companions that can visit places such as care homes, hospitals and schools to bring comfort and joy.

What do you offer?

Chris can bring me to visit your building, organisation or group and bring nothing but joy to the space and interaction with an incredibly fantastic dog that will provide much needed interaction for those in certain circumstances

How is Therapy Dogs helping the local community in Adur?

We are based in the Adur area, meaning we’re readily available to take enquiries about coming to see you as soon as you wish. We’re recently qualified and have completed all our assessments and initial visits through the support of Therapy Dogs Nationwide, including being able to visit young people too, and are keen to come and see you.

There are lots of people across Adur finding themselves in a position where the experience of being able to stroke and interact with me, brings a big positive to their day.

What are some of your greatest achievements?

It was a big achievement to qualify as a Therapy Dog and be able to officially visit so many more people because of this.

What have you learned about working with people in Adur?

Many people want to stop and say hello and give me a stroke! It’s really appreciated and we all get a warm experience from it!

What are some of the challenges you face?

Maintaining neutrality in the face of temptation when a tasty treat is dropped on the floor!

How have you worked with or experienced support from Adur Voluntary Action?

We have recently started working alongside AVA to widen our net of people we can engage with – growing our support network is a key part of the ongoing work of a therapy dog and it’s been really helpful having the team on board to promote this.

What’s next for your organisation?

Meeting more and more people and bringing moments of comfort to all!

How can people get involved?

If you’re keen for Bear to come and visit your group or service and feel the people you support would benefit from this then please contact AVA through info@adurva.org and they’ll help put you in contact with us to arrange a visit.