After ten successful visits and a commitment to the programme, the dog is awarded the St. John Ambulance certificate and a tag to wear on his collar. Some Divisions also give the dog a scarf with the St. John Ambulance crest on it. The owner is given a Therapy Dog golf shirt which is worn with black or grey pants or skirt on all visits. Just what animals have been doing for centuries. Offering unconditional love and friendship to the sick, lonely and helpless.
Dogs are non-judgmental.
They are undeterred by human frailties and accept human illness, handicap or disfigurement, confusion or tears. They calm the distressed, distract the pain-ridden and comfort the despondent. They, in return, are often accepted when humans are rejected. Pet visitations have been done for many years and it has been acknowledged by the medical profession that the petting and stroking of a dog has a calming effect and can lower blood pressure and ease tension. Some of the many benefits of our programme are that our dogs help to restore a resident's self confidence and self esteem, motivate seniors to become involved, being a link between the resident and the community, help prevent loneliness and boredom and to share the love of our dogs with people who are animal lovers.