Greyhounds make great PAT dogs and Therapets. Here's some of Timmy McCullough's story...

At last year’s GALA day there was a stall for Pets as Therapy (PAT). This organisation is a national charity which aims to facilitate visits to hospitals, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues by volunteers and their dogs. I was interested in finding out more because I remembered how my aunt, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, really perked up when the son of another resident used to bring in his mother’s dog to her care home for a visit. After chatting to the PAT representative we decided to make an application.

 

First of all Timmy had to be tested for behaviour and temperament. The test took place in the PAT local contact’s home. It took about 20 minutes and checked things like how did the dog react to loud and sudden noises, being handled by a stranger, being offered titbits etc. Timmy passed with flying colours and then his Mum and Dad had to be vetted as well. We had to produce two references each from people who had known us for several years. Luckily we did not let Timmy down and we were accepted as PAT volunteers. Then we got our official badges. Each of us had to supply a black and white photo – Timmy’s badge goes on his collar. We all have to wear these badges when doing our PAT visits.

To read the rest of Timmy's story and see his gorgeous black and white official badge photo you'll have to wait for the next newsletter! If you're not a GAL member yet - click here to join.