PAT Dogs
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PURPOSE OF THE CHARITY National Charity that organises visits by pet owners who have volunteered to share their animals - mainly dogs but more recently cats as well - with others who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to keep a pet of their own. BACKGROUND TO THE CHARITY Founded by Lesley Scott-Ordish in 1983 because she had seen how depressed and lonely many people in hospitals and homes can become when separated from their pets. Lesley had also helped to start Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Dogs for the Disabled so it was a great loss when she died in 1997. P.A.T originally shared offices with another charity which Lesley had started (PRO Dogs) and both charities were based in a residential house in Kent. P.A.T began as a Pilot Scheme in Derbyshire using two Collies, a German Shepherd Dog and an Old English Sheepdog. Despite some resistance at first from the medical profession, the benefits of the scheme - not only to those being visited but also to their carers - soon became obvious. The pilot scheme was so successful that it was extended nationally just six months later. P.A.T. TODAY Since the beginning over 16,000 dogs and about 90 cats have been registered. Approximately 3,500 PAT dogs are currently active and 90 PAT cats. The charity operates over the whole of the U.K. and is the largest voluntary service in Europe, where domestic animals are used for the benefit of people. P.A.T still operates on a very low administrative budget. During the past few years the head office has moved from Kent to Reading, then to Harrow but last year we were able to move to Saunderton near Princes Risborough - a small, attractive cottage on the site of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. In addition to the Trustees, the Charity is run by three Regional Directors - one covering the North and Scotland, one the South West and Wales and the third Midlands and the South.
People hear about P.A.T. and say to themselves - perhaps my dog/cat could do that. Many people love to do things with their pets, especially if it will bring happiness to others. All volunteers must register with the Charity and fill in the usual forms, providing two references. All registered volunteers are insured for third party liability by the charity.
DOGS - to be assessed by someone who has been on the accredited course or a Vet. There is no minimum or maximum age limit but the dogs must have been with their owners for at least six months, as the Charity believes this is the time needed to create the necessary bonding. All the pets must be vaccinated and free from parasites. Care is needed when assessing elderly pets, for whilst there is no age limit the visiting can be quite tiring. The welfare of the animals is paramount. Size is not an issue. One of the great benefits of PAT dogs is that all breeds can be suitable - from Great Danes to Chihuahuas. Many PAT dogs are crossbreeds and we have a lot of rescued dogs. We also have a couple of blind dogs, a few deaf dogs and several with only three legs. Our most famous PAT dog is Allen's dog Endal who was trained by Canine Partners Most important is that the dogs must love people and want to be stroked and patted. They should not be too excitable or boisterous, given to a lot of licking or drooling and able to accept titbits gently. In some situations a certain amount of rough treatment is inevitable so dogs are always tested to ensure that they accept their ears, paws and tails being held. They should not be phased by reasonable noise - trays get dropped as do walking frames, sticks etc. CATS - to be assessed by a Vet. How quickly does the cat settle - does it hide
from strangers? THE VOLUNTEERS Whilst dogs can be any breed, owners too can come from all walks of life. The minimum age for visiting alone is 18 although one 12 year old visits with her Mum. We have one lady of 90 who still "works". We have guide dog owners, volunteers in wheel chairs, Priests, Doctors, nurses, teaches, vets, office workers, etc.
It is important that owners and dogs are comfortable in the environment in which they work otherwise they give up. Most dogs can cope with most things although some dogs are not comfortable in excessive noise and some dogs are susceptible to some hospital smells. Again very calm dogs are needed in wards where there is a lot of equipment - wires, tubes etc. and very little space - Greyhounds are particularly good for this. Some owners have preferences for hospitals where they encounter a changing environment whilst others prefer a home where they get to know the same people. Many want to visit children; although some special needs schools require a very special dog who is quiet, can cope with a lot of noise but is also able to entertain the children with toys and the like.
Probably most visiting is to Nursing and Residential Homes, but we cover most hospitals and hospices, and many day centres and special needs schools. We work with people with learning difficulties and of recent times have become more involved in dealing with adults and children who are dog phobic. Phobia can involve quite a few dogs and owners - moving through different breeds. On average most PAT dogs and cats make one visit per week for around an hour. WHO BENEFITS? The patients, residents and children of places we visit. In many environments staff are stressed and seeing the dog will help to relieve this. Visitors also benefit - often they run out of things to talk about and a dog will bring a welcome break.
Movement of limbs - many patients/residents sit huddled up in a chair and moving an arm to stroke an animal is good for them. In some situations working with teachers, occupational therapists etc. it may be appropriate to groom or walk the dog, or play games. Stimulation of memory - they remember their own pets and can talk about them. It encourages them to talk - often to the dog - but also a group may start talking amongst themselves. In many cases it may be the first words spoken since they were taken into a hospital ward or care home.
Speaking engagements spread the word! We try to become involved with T.V. and radio whenever possible. Newspaper pictures and articles - in particular PAT Dog/Cat of the Year. Invitations to fetes etc. Various events organised by Regional Directors and Area Co-ordinators. Whilst Pets As Therapy work can be done alone, many volunteers appreciate the opportunity to meet with others to discuss their pets and this often occurs at publicity/fund raising events. We also have a Junior Club and a Circle of Friends for people who want to support the charity but do not have a pet of their own. Wherever possible stress that we need as much help as possible in recruiting new members and improving our finances. Any help in introducing volunteers or organizing fund raising events for us would be much appreciated, as there are many, many establishments waiting throughout the UK desperate for a PAT visit. Although all volunteers pay an annual subscription this is not sufficient to fund this very cost effective charity.
No doubt you all have your own stories, but this is one of mine: We were on a first visit to a nursing home - I am accompanying a new volunteer with her "Goldie". It was teatime and most of them had a Kit Kat biscuit. We succeeded in explaining to the residents that chocolate is bad for dogs without too much trouble. However, the last lady was insistent on the Kit Kat and eventually succeeded with half of it. She had obviously taken in that what had been said because when the volunteer went the following week she had licked the chocolate off so the dog could still have the wafer!
Everyone benefits: Patients/Residents enjoy the visits Pets enjoy the fuss and attention - and possibly the titbits Volunteers enjoy the rewarding experience. There is nothing quite like walking into a room or ward and seeing eyes light up and arms outstretched to welcome the pet. |