Canine Friends Pet Therapy | Lotto New Zealand Advert

There’s no quicker way to bring a smile to Kiwis’ faces than to share a pat with a cute, cuddly canine. However, for many New Zealanders, the benefits of interacting with a dog can be transformative. Canine Friends Pet Therapy volunteer, Marjory, would know — she’s seen the magic happen first hand.
As the owner of a very friendly dog along with a desire to give back, Marjory got in touch with Canine Friends Pet Therapy to see if she could help out.
“I was at that stage in my life where I wanted to give back and help others. My friend told me about Canine Friends, and it seemed like the perfect fit, so I went on their website to apply,” says Marjory.
Assessed and accepted by Canine Friends, Marjory and her black Labrador, Bridger, were quickly put to work spreading joy within her local community.
“For over a year now, we’ve been visiting a dementia unit at a local rest home. I’ve seen first-hand the pleasure a dog can give to the residents. That sense of patting something warm and wagging, it just brightens their day,” says Marjory.
For many of residents living in rest homes or hospices around the country, a visit from a Canine Friends’ dog is not only a way a fun way to spend an afternoon, but it can also be transformative.
“The simple act of touching their silky coats or rubbing their soft ears brings back memories of their own pets and happier times come flooding back.
“It’s particularly special when you’ve been working with a resident who is non-responsive for a long time, and suddenly you get a breakthrough. When they just light up and start interacting with your dog — that makes it all worthwhile,” says Marjory.
However, it’s not just the elderly that reap the rewards of pet therapy; young people do too.
“We recently started visiting some young people who are going through a really tough time with some mental health issues.
“One of the most interesting things, when you bring your dog into that environment like that, is how it creates a sense of community. People that didn’t know each other before start interacting. The experience gives them something in common, and they can talk about it afterwards,” says Marjory.
With over 800 volunteers nationwide, Canine Friends Pet Therapy visit thousands of people in hospitals, rest homes, hospices and schools each year. Wearing their bright red scarves, these cute canines, of all shapes and sizes, have one important job to do — bring some furry friendliness to Kiwis who need a bit extra comfort and joy.

Featured in this video is:
Sue and her Border Collie called Jack
Marjory and her black Lab called Bridger
Margaret and her Wauzer called Laney
Carol and her Poodle/Bichon called Charlie

Location:
Te Hopai, Wellington. N.Z