A UNIQUE project which sees a four-legged friend bring joy to people with learning disabilities or autism in Worcester has been launched. Observer editor Rob George found out more about how a family tragedy led to Alfie the dog taking the lead in helping others.
WHEN Dimensions locality manager Janet Turton bought Alfie the dog for her son James’ 21st birthday, she hoped it would be the paw-fect present for James and the family.
While the pair soon became best friends, a year later James was diagnosed with terminal cancer. After the diagnosis, Alfie often visited James at the hospice to raise his spirits and often made James feel better at such a difficult time.
Although they were sadly seperated by James’ passing, Alfie continued to visit the hospice and began training to be a therapy dog.
Janet and Alfie wanted to spread as much joy as possible and asked if it would be possible to bring a therapy dog to one of the charities Worcester services.
The request was accepted, and now Janet and Alfie visit the service – outside of Janet’s work hours at Dimensions.
And by anyone’s admission, the introduction has been a resounding success with some amazing success stories in the service
Some of the people supported by the charity requested ‘fun time’ with Alfie after a person looked after by the scheme passed away and they felt sad.
“One person we support is shy and did not mix in group sessions. Suddenly they began joining in when Alfie was there and specifically asked for their picture taken with him,” a Dimensions spokesman said.
“One service user used to become extremely worried about attending meetings. When Alfie is with them, they now attend meetings happily.”
The Sheltie – a Shetland Sheepdog – has now visited the new service at Samuel Place in the city leaving resident thrilled with his paw-fect performances.
Locality manager Janet said: “It’s a happy, relaxed atmosphere with lots of laughter when Alfie visits. The people we support forget about everyday life, anxieties and worries and enjoy some ‘fun time’ with Alfie.”
“People we support can choose to spend time with Alfie either in their own flats or in a communal hub area. He can look forward to receiving lots of attention, playing fetch with his favourite ball and also spending some quiet time with residents.”
In the future Janet is planning to begin using Alfie to encourage healthier lifestyles by allowing people to volunteer to help walk him.
And, as this is all done in Janet’s own time, Janet is planning to introduce Alfie to some of her other services; after receiving requests for visits from other people she supports.
It seems like this therapy dog is definitely barking up the right tree.
