Anna Chaplain Tricia Calway reflects on the wonderful potential of PAT dogs in Anna Chaplaincy ministry, and is seeking to grow the network in her part of Lancashire. Can you help?
Tricia is based in Rossendale, Lancashire and is calling 'all well-behaved pet owners to join in Anna Chaplaincy!'.
'We know that Anna Chaplaincy provides spiritual support for people in later life who have faith or no faith. We have many care homes where we are authorised to visit with our pet dogs.
The visit of a PAT dog to a care home is an opportunity for a trip down memory lane and a chat about their future, very often leading to important conversations which are so often ignored. Dogs are received with open arms and big smiles.
A visit with a soft, calm, friendly dog can help bring comfort to folks coming to terms with growing older. Many have owned dogs which they miss and the opportunity to pat a dog is sorely missed.
The dogs have a positive and joyous impact wherever they go, bringing moments of happiness to very many lonely people.
For them it is a window into the outside world through contact with a living animal, which they cherish. Supporting people in later life with a PAT dog is so rewarding for the dog, the dog owner and the recipient.
WHAT IS PETS AS THERAPY?
Pets As Therapy (PAT) is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. We strive to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to the companionship of an animal.
It is a charity with its headquarters in Oxfordshire, supported by donations. It is run by volunteers and all PAT dogs are owned by volunteers. A PAT dog visiting a home is free. It was started by Lesley who witnessed how much older people missed their dogs when moving into residential care. Most homes have an activities coordinator who helps manage the visits.
HOW CAN MY DOG BECOME A PET THERAPY DOG?
Any type of dog can become a PAT dog (PAT stands for Pets as Therapy). Big, small, any breed, it doesn’t matter what sort of dog you have. The main requirements are that your dog is calm, well-behaved, likes people and doesn’t mind being touched or handled. He or she has to be in good health, well looked after, vaccinated and be able to visit places without getting excited or anxious.
For you, it’s the desire to help older people. You need to be able to give a regular commitment and be willing to visit care homes, and other residential accommodation. The building of relationships with a placement is key to a successful partnership between you, your dog and the place you visit, so all of you get the maximum benefit.
Dogs love ‘a job’ to do and your dog will enjoy the visits and meeting lots of different people.
And the residents, wherever you decide to visit, gain a huge amount of joy and happiness from your dog.
Time commitment is up to you, but a minimum of a couple of hours per month is ideal with a visit lasting 45 minutes.
The Pets as Therapy website is a good place to start. www.petsastherapy.org
Your dog will need to be registered with PAT and pass a test. There is a small annual fee to pay. After your dog has been assessed by a local PAT coordinator and passed, you will receive a registration number and neck tag and you and your dog will be insured to visit designated places.
If you know anyone who would be interested in joining our Anna Chaplaincy PAT dog scheme, ask them to get in touch. We currently visit care homes, dementia units and other residential homes.
Once your dog is ‘official’ we can organise visits for you in partnership with our PAT dog team to visit registered Rossendale Care Homes.'
If you are interested, please contact Tricia Calway on 07949 140108 or by email: tcalway@me.com
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