Bomb proof' pets pass therapy test

Eight dogs, big and small, leaning to slightly corpulent and one that couldn't muster a full complement of legs, passed the St John/SPCA Outreach Therapy Pets assessment with flying colours in Kaitaia on Monday evening.

The line-up included Willow (the Tripod), who, before moving in with Peter Furze, suffered a kick that smashed his left elbow beyond repair.

The leg was subsequently amputated, and the six-year-old (or thereabouts) still carries a bullet in his neck, but life's good these days, and he met all the criteria for a pet therapist.

Joanne Hurford and Heather Lee, who assessed each dog in terms of age, condition and behaviour, were delighted with what they saw.

"They don't need to display agility, or any sort of specific training," Joanne said.

"What we're looking for is good family dogs, calm and with good manners, basically bomb-proof."

The response in Kaitaia was extremely gratifying, Heather said.

"Perhaps smaller communities are more caring than bigger ones," she said.

The Outreach Therapy Pets programme, which is well established in some parts of the country, isn't restricted to dogs.

Cats are equally welcome, as are any other animals that people might enjoy visits from, including rabbits, guinea pigs, alpacas/llamas, hens, donkeys, miniature horses and rats.

The aim is to boost the emotional well-being of hospital patients and rest home residents, although animals can also have a role to play as an additional form of therapy for children suffering a variety of illnesses.

Anyone who has a pet that might enjoy the occasional outing to make an elderly, ailing or housebound person's day is welcome to contact Kaitaia SPCA president Raewyn Jackson on 408-1256 or (027) 296-4772.

"Visits from pets make a real difference to the lives of some people, especially the elderly," Mrs Jackson said.

"We know contact with gentle animals provides comfort and helps people to be happier, and the dogs that have been offered so far will make a very good start."