Pets as Therapy - Percy might become one !

[Shysmum]

Percy is now nearly five months old, and I'm really excited, as he seems to have the temperment to become a PAT dog (where dogs go into hospices to visit patients, etc). On a trip to the vet this week, the lady vet really thought his gentle nature and love of people will be a winner

He is still quite shy, so she gave me a desensitisation CD to play - consisting of fireworks, thunder and lightening, and gunshot sounds - but considering how loud he has to put up with my music in the car, he's not batting an eyelid ! Plus lots of banging around in the kitchen, dropping baking trays and stuff.

Has anyone else got a PAT dog, and can you offer any advice ? I'm not going to even try the vet exam until he's a year old.

Thanks so much.

 

[Welsh]

Sorry, no advice but I just wanted to say he looks gorgeous, such a kind face and I bet he's all silky & cuddly!

Good luck x

 

[Shysmum]

Ah thankyou, yes he is - and such a gentle lad. Just growing so fast - legs like stilts ! x

After all that, just found this - http://www.petsastherapy.org/ duh !!

 

[Annette4]

Deffo go for it, you'll love it.

Get him used to stuff being dropped, doing an 'emergancy stop' and if you can....walkers/walking sticks/mobility scooters.

One of 'Jack's ladies' used to 'take him for a walk' round her floor in her care home and I've never seen him look prouder! Being used to being prodded, poked etc will help too. We worked with kids and stroke victims a lot who don't always have the best coordination.

Any questions just message me. Jack's retired now

 

[Shysmum]

Ah thankyou !! When I told hubbie that we'll have to borrow a mobility scooter to try him with, he thought it was hilarious !! there are so many running round our, town, it shouldn't be difficult