Dogs for Good ‘Dog Days’ start in Oxfordshire

Dogs for Good’s ‘Dog Days’ service is set to start at The Lake House Care Home and Day Centre, operated by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) in Adderbury on Friday 31st January 2020. The Dog Days are open to people with all stages of dementia and are currently scheduled to run one day a month.

Dog Days are relaxed and safe social events which bring the added bonus of fun, dog-related activities. Residents are encouraged to interact with well-trained pet dogs, brought along by their owners who volunteer their time. Both dog and owner have undergone an eight-week training course run by Dogs for Good’s Community Dog team to ensure that each dog is going to be comfortable and happy being involved in the events.

Michala, who lives in Middleton Cheney with her Cavachon, Charlie says: “A friend told me about Dog Days and I thought it would be such a lovely way to volunteer. I have had personal experience of a loved one with dementia so it felt right to look into it. Charlie loves fuss and is a very sociable little chap so it really works for him, too. The training at Dogs for Good was really interesting – I learned a lot about Charlie and also about myself and I’m really looking forward to the Dog Days events and sharing Charlie with lots of people.”

As well as enjoying time with the dogs, the events encourage social interaction and bring people joy. Feedback received from Dog Days run in other counties include: “It was like a big birthday party!” and “I can’t remember the last time my husband smiled so much.”