We've chosen this charity as part of our alternative gift list as we are both animal lovers and believe that animals can have an amazing effect on people and their health. As some of you may know, we have a house rabbit called 'Moe' who, although slightly grumpy, has brought us a lot of happiness. Also, as part of Louise's OT training, she got to see first hand how the charity Pets as Therapy worked wonders on people with mental illness, forming part of their treatment to improve thier psychosocial wellbeing. If you would like to know more, here is some background info on this great charity:-

Pets As Therapy is a national charity founded in 1983. It is a community based charity  providing therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other establishments from volunteers with their pet dogs and cats.

Since its beginning over 28,000 dogs have become registered PAT dogs. Every year some of these wonderful dogs need to retire and new dogs, having first passed a health, temperament, and suitably assessment, join Pets As Therapy.

Today there are over 5,000 active PAT dogs & a smaller  number of PAT cats working throughout the UK. Every week visiting PAT teams bring comfort and companionship to 1,000’s of  people, both young and old, by giving them the opportunity to stroke, hold and talk to one of these calm and friendly dogs and cats.

Pets As Therapy also provide individual animal assisted therapy (AAT), working with stroke patients and people with dog phobias.

 

The Charity’s Read2Dogs programme helps children in classroom settings improve their reading ability by helping to increase their confidence and enjoyment of reading.