For our November meeting, we welcomed Catherine from Essex Therapy Dogs. Catherine was accompanied by her beautiful rescue dog Kara. Catherine explained the work of the organisation, how over 300 members work in various sectors of the community, primarily schools and care homes, and also private visits. They even make appearances upon request at Southend Airport, where they provide comfort and diversion for nervous passengers! While Catherine was explaining all this, Kara was silently moving from person to person around the room. We were all spellbound as she circled placidly around the hall, sometimes laying her head on people’s laps, or just sitting quietly and waiting to be petted.
Kara is a big dog, rather like a woolly bear, but very gentle. She came originally from Macedonia, and her owner Catherine adopted her when she was 18 months old. Over time, Catherine realised that Kara’s sweet nature made her an ideal candidate for a therapy dog. All the Essex Therapy Dogs live with their owners, who then fill various requests depending on their own choices and availability. Kara’s particular area of expertise is in schools, and Catherine takes her to visit several different ones on a rota basis. Catherine spoke with real warmth about Kara’s abilities, and the difference it made to those she visited. It was easy to see the effect she might have – we were all caught up in Kara’s charisma immediately. Some members said it was the best visit we have ever had!
Great care has to be taken to ensure that the dogs don’t take on too many visits, as the constant empathy they provide tires them. By the time Catherine had finished her talk, Kara was ready to go home, having paid attention to anyone who wanted to engage with her. She left an air of calm behind her, quite remarkable.
Afterwards, we had a jigsaw and games swap – members brought in various items to swap, all the quiet disappeared to be replaced by plenty of noisy chat!
