To celebrate National Therapy Animal Day, Nala and Buddy, Pets As Therapy Dogs, came to visit with their owner Jemma. Hear more about the care they give and why they choose to volunteer.

Sessions with therapy animals offer a wide range of benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety, to improving mood and increasing social interactions. With their specialised training, these animals tailor their behaviour to suit each individual they meet and can even provide support during hospital visits.

Demelza is privileged to have the support of five incredible Pets As Therapy dogs and their owners, who regularly give up their time to create extraordinary moments for those we care for.

Owner Jemma, brings her two dogs into Demelza, Nala, a lab cross Portuguese Pointer and Buddy, a Sprocker Spaniel, to provide support for the children on-site. 

Jemma shared: "I joined the police because I wanted to help people and now I no longer work as a police officer, volunteering at Demelza fills that void and enables me to make a difference. I feel that bringing the dogs into Demelza brightens people's day - not only because of their cheerful wagging tails (which never fail to put a smile on your face) but they seem to understand what the children need and adapt their behaviour accordingly. 

They know when to be calm and sit, allowing the children to feel peace by stroking them. They also know when to interact with the children, playing games with them and being more interactive. I love bringing that little bit of joy to the children’s day, allowing them to have a familiar comfort if they have a dog at home, or a new experience if they don’t have any pets. 

Demelza is the happiest and friendliest place I have ever visited and the staff clearly love their jobs, making it such an uplifting place to be."

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