LOCATION: SINGAPORE
Whether its a mixed or pedigree breed, all dogs are special and could be one's best friend!
Today, CAS has the privilege to attend an observer session at an old folk's home with a volunteer group known as Therapy Dogs (Singapore), in Singapore. Their dogs are so mild, friendly and love interacting with humans.
I, as a CAS representative, am so glad to be part of today's session. It is a pity that no photo-taking is allowed at the hall of the old folks' home. Otherwise I would be able to share with you all the smiles on the faces of the elderly during their interaction with the doggies, such as giving treats, combing and stroking along the dog's fur.
Each dog injects unconditional love and warmth into the life of these fragile old folks, who are lonely, abandoned by their children or with no kin. They are so happy to meet and greet the volunteers and the dogs. Some old folks may not even remember when have they last smiled....but today, these dogs put a grin on their faces!
Extracted from Therapy Dogs, Singapore, it says: "Interaction with therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety & depression, lessen the feelings of loneliness and isolation, increase the attention span of children with learning difficulties, eg. autism, attention deficit, hyperactive disorder, developing more independence, confidence & mobility, experiencing less pain, facilitate socialization & acceptance between people."
CAS hopes that one day, our dogs in Brunei will become therapy dogs so as to help many children with autism and other patients with mental illness or terminally-ill to improve their quality of life and well-being. No doubt it would be a long and tough journey to accomplish the project of therapy dogs in Brunei, as long as we strongly hold the vision in our minds, WE BELIEVE WE CAN DO IT!
EVERY LITTLE EFFORT COUNTS!
