Cuteness overload expected as therapy pups host charity open day

Saturday 29 September 2018

A charity which launched to help people in 'ruff' times is hosting an open day today, so people can support the work it does while finding out more.

Paws for Support trains and provides therapy and assistance dogs in Guernsey - including at Les Voies school where they've been known to have a beneficial impact on students.

The dogs were used on a training session earlier this year, where pupils had to 'track down a dognapper' with the help of Guernsey Police, the Royal Court and even the Bailiff. 

Pictured: Haze the therapy dog helps pupils at Les Voies school. Haze was involved in a staged 'dognapping' exercise with the school earlier this year, which you can read about here. 

As well as working with the school, including one-to-one work with students tackling things like autism, anxiety, depression, anger, or social deprivation, Paws for Support has a number of dogs working towards being certified as assistance dogs which will mean they can support people with a recognised disability.

The dogs can also be used for social visits to other schools or places like residential and care homes.

The dogs which are being trained now are living in family homes, as they undergo their training. Other dogs who want to be considered for a training place needs to show basic obedience to start with.

Pictured: The dog show is taking place today.

The training costs money so as part of an awareness and fundraising drive, today's open day at Fairfield in Castel is being held between 13:00 and 16:00, when you'll be able to meet the Therapy Dogs.

There'll also be children's activities and a tombola as well as Dog Games in the Main Arena and a Pet Dog Show judged by Jenny Kendall-Tobias.

Pictured: Sara Sarre and some of the therapy dogs.