Dig deep for dog therapists

AFife charity which provides therapy dogs for young people with additional learning needs is asking for public support after its community hub was destroyed by flooding.

Charity Oliver’s Army Assistance Dog drop-in support and dog training centre in Cowdenbeath, which has operated on the High Street for just over a year, suffered severe damage after water pipes burst above the former post office building, rendering much of it unusable and destroying, toys, learning aids and other equipment.

The damage was so severe it left the Scottish branch of the UK charity, which supports around 70 families and people across Scotland, homeless.

It has launched an appeal urging the public to dig deep to help it recover.

Joanne Robertson, who runs the centre, said the damage, thought to have been caused when the sprinkler system failed on New Year’s Day, has ruined most facilities at the centre.

She added: “It was utterly heartbreaking to see the damage to a centre which has proved so popular in the local community, not just for the therapy dog support but also as a place people could come to for support and meet likeminded people.

“It’s become a hub for many in the local community to pop in and have a cuppa, see a friendly face and meet others but now that has all been lost.

“Luckily all of our IT equipment is safe but all flooring, furniture, toys, and support equipment has been ruined.

“To compound the issue, asbestos in the building has now contaminated the entire facility making it unsafe to even re-enter.”

Thankfully due to the intervention of Brag (Benarty Regeneration Action Group) Enterprises, which supports areas of high deprivation, the charity, Joanne and her colleagues have been found a replacement building in Crosshill but are now appealing for donations to help the charity relocate.

“We desperately need financial support to get us back up and running fully and supporting the families that rely heavily on us,” said Joanne.

“It’s a huge set-back but we won’t let it beat us.

“We have some fantastic people involved and too many who rely on our services and dogs to give up now.”

The charity Facebook. is on

BEST FRIEND: Joanne Robertson, who runs the centre, and her therapy dog Buddy.