Give a special dog a home?

Dementia project needs boarders

A charity which provides animal assisted therapy for individuals with dementia are seeking volunteers willing to provide a home for their dogs.

The Dementia Dog Project is a charitable collaboration between Alzheimer’s Scotland and Dogs for Good.

And they are looking for anyone who may be able to be a full-time boarder for one of their community dogs in the Stirling area.

Community dogs can come in all sizes and can range from Labradors to Cockapoos.

This role will involve providing a loving, full-time home for the dog when it isn’t out working in the community – and may suit someone who has knowledge of dog handling, is retired or works from home and has a fenced garden.

The project will meet any costs associated with looking after the dog including food, veterinary and equipment costs.

Project manager Fiona Corner said: “The dog will be fully trained and will be picked up by a member of the team and taken out for therapy visits. Typically these would be a few visits a day but that can vary.

“We’re looking for those able to provide a loving home to one of our dogs to come forward, or even those who can help out in other ways.”

One of the services currently being piloted by the Dementia Dog Project is the provision of dementia community dogs that are specially trained to work with a handler and provide therapy for those with dementia. The aim is to help improve physical, emotional, social and cognitive functioning – enhancing overall independence and reducing social isolation.

Anyone interested in helping out should email bark@dementiadog. org.