The power of the dog

A pack of new recruits is set to bring the power of the dog to the care sector.

The Labradors are part of a home care support team providing Animal Assisted Therapy to old and vulnerable people within the Redcar and Cleveland area.

The initial reaction has been so positive, and there are plans for the canine carers to also work with young people, those with special educational needs, community support groups and to encourage community outings to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Michelle Jackson, Managing Director of Caremark (Redcar and Cleveland), said well-trained dogs like Red, Chance, Emmie and Axel are perfect within a care setting.

“Dogs bring so much love, peace, calmness and joy and can help to reduce stress, anxiety, loneliness or depression,” she said.

“Many vulnerable people who we have cared for have had dogs themselves in the past but have maybe lost their dogs now or are no longer unable to care for a dog anymore due to their disability.”

Michelle added that sometimes the impact the loss of a pet has on someone can be overlooked: “It’s a piece of their life they miss deeply, and our therapy dogs help fill that gap” she said.

The dogs all undergo a one-year training programme before being signed off and joining the Caremark team and then they will undergo an annual assessment. Caremark are working closely with Sue Atherton at Crazy Dog Corner to ensure all 4 dogs are fully trained and exposed to many environments.

Sue, who has been a dog trainer for 34 years and worked in the care sector prior to this, said: “I am very passionate about this project and excited to see how the service develops and how many lives we touch. Dogs are the perfect therapy animals because they provide unconditional love,”

Michelle added: “You can see the joy on people’s faces when our dogs visit, they are able to stroke and engage with the dogs as well as give treats as a reward for following certain commands. We also want to encourage outings, either in the garden or for a short walk if peoples mobility permits, we wish to encourage fresh air and exercise which will be great for peoples’ mental health and wellbeing.”

It’s not just vulnerable people who benefit from this project, the staff of Caremark also benefit as all dogs come into the office with Michelle each day.

“We are a dog friendly office and that’s important to a lot of people. When we have someone in for interview, it starts a conversation and helps break down barriers,” said Michelle. “An office dog immediately makes people smile when they walk through the door and it helps to manage stressful situations as staff can take a break, go for a walk with the dogs and grab some fresh air.”

Caremark is spreading word of their Animal Assisted Therapy project to help make a difference in as many peoples’ lives as possible. “We see ourselves very much as part of the local community so it’s not always about making money but about building relationships,” said Michelle.

So far, they have visited Earthbeat Day Centre in Saltburn, The Play Factory in Skelton, The Dementia Disco at Redcar and Cleveland College, Redcar Town Football Club and are hoping to visit special needs schools in the very near future.