I found out a bit about it today, I think I quite fancy doing it. I'm a SAHM and get one afternoon off a week when DD goes to ger grandma's, although if I asked MIL I'm pretty sure she'd agree to have her a wee bit more often.
I discovered that there is a PAT area coordinator in my town too which is quite handy to know.
One thing I think could be a problem is the fact that I don't drive, although there are quite a few nursing homes and a very small hospital in my town all within walking distance.
My dog is a retired Greyhound, from what I've read on the PAT website, he fits the criteria, he's calm, loves to be fussed (he's really a massive flirt!), walks lovely on the lead, is very gentle when taking food, doesn't jump up and he does jump at sudden loud noises but quickly recovers and is happy to investigate what made the noise.
Should we go for it? Is there anything else I should know?
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Is anyone a Pets As Therapy volunteer?
TheCunnyFunt · 27/07/2013 21:35
My mum lives in a care home . They used to have a PAT dog visit weekly . It was so welcome and the residents loved to have a gentle dog to interact with ,pat and cuddle . I cant imagine how awful it must be to have had a dog as your dearest companion in earlier life and then never to pat one again.
I would imagine that staff would alert you to residents who dont like dogs/allergies etc . And expect lots of sweeties being fed to him sneakily ! Mum had toffees in her cardigan despite my pleas they are bad for dogs !. Keep your eyes on the treats 
Lovely lovely idea OP .
My dad had done this with his lab for a few years now, loves it and so do the elderly folks. Go for it
What a wonderful thing to do, Cunny. A friend of mine has a small, black, soppy Staffie and wanted to do it. When she was visiting a local hospice, she took him round and the older people loved it. Unfortunately, her dog is terrified of people sneezing, so not so good if visiting old, ill people unfortunately
Well my application form arrived on Saturday, I'm not going to do anything about it just yet though as there's a few things I need to do before we get assessed. I was reading the checklist and when I read the part where it said they have to be vacced I suddenly realised Sprocket was meant to be done in January 
he's been unvacced for 7 months in my defence I didn't have him when I got the reminder. He was being fostered because my brother was stabbed and he was in hospital dying (he didn't, but only because a miracle ECMO team saved his life when he was inches away from death).
It says on the form that it takes 12 weeks to get an answer to hear if you passed or not 
I think I remember you posting about your brother TCF . How is he doing ?
No rush for you to do it immediately anyway ........good luck and go for it when all is ready . take care and tummy rub for lovely dog .
So pleased to hear this TCF. Awful time for you all to endure . So pleased that your brother is eating again and he can speak .
to you all .
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