Bear and his owner Jo – from our Children & Young People’s Team at Hereford Refuge – have now completed their training with PAWS Therapy Dog Training. They have worked and trained incredibly hard over the past year to achieve this, with Bear having now graduated and become an accredited therapy dog for Hereford Refuge! We are extremely proud of them both.
Bear’s role in refuge has proven to be invaluable in supporting the children who are living here. He assists and alleviates the stress and anxiety associated with a wide range of daily tasks such as; modelling good oral hygiene by having his teeth brushed in front of the children each week, providing emotional support during emotive situations such as child and parent separation, and coming along on walks and school-runs with those who may be anxious or worried about leaving the refuge.
Therapy animals are proven to support and increase verbal and non-verbal communication, and to promote engagement and participation. We regularly observe evidence of this, as children and young people visibly relax and feel at ease, whilst sitting and stroking Bear during their support sessions with refuge staff.
The events leading to children and young people coming to refuge, have often been deeply traumatic and upsetting. This can be further exacerbated by being in a new environment with no sense of familiarity. Bear’s calming and therapeutic effect helps with emotional regulation, as children and young people quickly learn that in order for them to have fun with Bear, they need to be calm and gentle around him. Bear also promotes self-expression, providing an opportunity for children to face their emotions, and to share them with him and Jo. This in turn supports children to develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
Children and young people who have been exposed to domestic abuse, often present with difficulties around attachment and separation. The impact of their experience may have damaged their bond with their non-abusive parent. The shared experience of meeting and cuddling a therapy dog can be an effective way of repairing and strengthening these bonds, giving them both fond memories to enjoy and reflect on together.
Whether stroking him, watching him as he plays in the garden, or taking him for a walk, Bear is having a profoundly positive and therapeutic impact on the children and young people that he meets, and we are thrilled that those in refuge are able to benefit from having him here.
Find out more about our Children and Young People’s Team.