Guild Enjoys Visit from “Ambassadors” For Therapet

The work of Therapet was outlined at a meeting of Blairgowrie Parish Church Guild.

Therapet was started in 1988 by the Canine Trust in Scotland in the belief that having contact with a pet can reduce blood pressure and anxiety levels, and improve communication skills.

There are now more than 500 Therapet volunteers in Scotland and they visit patients and residents in hospitals, hospices, residential care, nursing homes, special needs schools to provide pet therapy.

The church guild heard that there are now 20 dogs in Perthshire, with a few more in training.

Blairgowrie currently has four pet owners who visit most of the local care homes.

Therapet’s Harry Greig was accompanied by two four-legged friends and they demonstrated different skills to guild members.

Mr Greig was thanked by Elspeth Campbell and £48 raised at a bring and buy sale was handed over for the use of the pet visiting service.

Picture; Mary and Ethel Dow with Harry and two of his friends, Alfie, and Dixie

Words and Picture :- David Phillips.

This article appeared in the Perthshire edition of the Courier 6th February 2015.