"Toby always likes people and searches them out in the park for a cuddle; so it was an easy decision to sign us up for Pets and Friends. After the training and assessments for both of us, I put on his bandanna and ID and I swear he strutted down the busy street to the senior’s residence that was expecting us. He was alert on the first visit but very quickly worked out that here were a large number of kind people who wanted to give him pets and cuddles and more kisses that he has in a year! Toby was in heaven and I quickly saw the effect he had on the residents. Whilst petting him, they spoke of the dogs that had passed through their lives and how much they loved them. Residents got to know each other better as they chatted to each other about their dogs. One lady commented how much better she felt, from simply feeling fur under her hands. I was humbled.
We have just finished our third visit and Toby is still a novice, but when we parked the truck a block away in the usual spot, he leapt out of the car in excitement and almost dragged me to the building. He has already taken on celebrity status and residents come down to the lobby just to see him and cuddle him. One lady told me of her golden retriever, who was one of the early service dogs, and had us laughing at some of her experiences. That dog lived to 21 years old and she still missed her.
I don’t take off Toby’s bandanna as I walk back to the truck, but he seems to know he is still working and went up to a lady next to me and leaned gently on her putting his head in her loose hand. She lit up as we waited for the crossing lights and thanked him quietly as we left. A man with a walker was coming the other way and I had to stop Toby from heading over to him, especially as he was crossing in the other direction and it would have caused chaos. He definitely sulked on the way home!"
- Pet Therapy Volunteer Team Angela & Toby's Story
