Badenoch and Strathspey Therapets Make A Difference

There is a dedicated band of Therapet volunteers in Badenoch and Strathspey led by our hard working area rep Mrs Vivien Moen based in Grantown.

Across Scotland volunteer Therapets and their owners regularly visit hospitals, day centres, nursing and residential homes, as well as special needs schools to provide therapy and companionship. New ways of extending the involvement of Therapet dogs are being introduced such as the Readwith Dogs scheme currently being piloted in primary schools.

Could you and your pet become volunteers? If you don’t own a pet you could still help with fund raising and promoting the organization on a voluntary basis.

Becoming a Therapet volunteer:

*your pet must be at least one year old and have been with you for at least six months.

* is your pet in good health, generally calm, confident in human company and enjoys their attention, is not fazed by noise and chatter and is able to obey simple commands? Then they may be suitable subject to a Therapet assessment.

*do you enjoy meeting people and having a bit of a blether(!) can you commit to an hour or so every few weeks to take your Therapet on a visit?

*can you provide two character references and agree to joining the PVG Scheme (Police Scotland)?

For more information check out the Canine Concern web site www.canineconcernscotland.org.uk and click on Therapet. There’s lots of information there, or telephone their office on 0131 5530034 for an information pack. Alternatively telephone Vivien for a friendly informative chat.

When Therapet volunteers visit, there’s a positive feel good outcome for all concerned whatever their involvement.

I have two dogs who are Therapets. Buddy, a Collie Saluki cross aged 7 years and Bea, just over 2 years old and of indeterminate mixed parentage live at Strathallan House in Grantown and are fully fledged Therapets. Both are rescue dogs with Bea being adopted from Grantown Dog Rescue. Both dogs just love their visits and enjoy meeting new people.

We both are Therapet volunteers,

Who love to make your day

We only visit for a while,

We never come to stay

We sit, give paw & look the part,

And love a friendly pat,

But jump, or bark, or growl & grump,

We never would do that !!

We like to blether & hear the news,

Are you well or on the mend?

But we’re happy just to sit and snooze,

And leave as your new friend.