“People can’t help but smile when Butch walks in.”
Name: Kerry Wallison & Butch
Type of dog: Bullmastiff X Boxer
Location: Queensland
Visits: Mental health
Volunteering: 2 years
Why: I do this work because I have a special dog who I want to share with as many people as I can.
Enjoys most: Seeing the faces of the clients light up when Butch walks in the room
Dog enjoys: The attention and affection
Reaction: People can’t help but smile when Butch walks in
Experiences: We had a client that was very withdrawn and never wanted to see the dog. Week in and week out we would sit across the room and Butch would wag his tail and look so endearing trying to get her to want to play with him. One day the client was upset and crying when we turned up and Butch instinctively went up to her to comfort her and she put her arms around him and hugged him and wept until she was done. It was a real turning point as before, no one was able to comfort her and get her to calm down. After that she was always wanting to see him and cuddle him and it was a real turning point as she then became a lot more responsive to her carers and started to smile and take an interest in her environment.
Delta work is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done and I feel lucky that I have a dog that is capable of doing this kind of work.
is proud of all our Therapy Dogs. If you and your dog would like to become a Pet Partner visiting team, please read here.
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