Pets As Therapy

by Alix Cooper

Baiba is a seven year-old Swedish Vallhund with a very special job.  Once a week she and I visit Aurora Orchard school, a wonderful placement for young adults and children with severe and complex learning difficulties.  Originally Baiba was offered the position as their very own quality control hound for the healthy dog biscuits the older students made in Food Technology to sell to help raise funds.  Gradually her role has become more diverse with visits to the younger children's classrooms for sensory stories, hanging out with the young people in their flats and generally being a gentle and fluffy companion.  The staff enjoy her visits as much as the students.

To become a Pets As Therapy dog she (and I) had to undergo an assessment to see how she would react in various situations.  Being a calm and good natured girl she passed with flying colours.  She does get a little excited when I unhook her special blue and yellow PAT dog harness (the colours of Sweden!) and by the time we reach the school she is anxious to see all her friends, including the pet guinea pigs.  

Baiba has also visited local businesses for well-being days, the Lego Club at our community centre and the nearby university for much needed crisis support.  Covid-19 has impacted heavily on our ability to visit anywhere over the last few months, but in September we will be permitted to return and we are both very much looking forward to it.

Baiba & Alix