SHANTI AND THE 2007 S.P.C.A. MUTT OF THE YEAR AWARD

PAT members were excited that one of our members entered her dog “Shanti” in the annual SPCA Mutt of the Year competition – and were absolutely thrilled when Irene and Shanti won!

Irene was just temporarily looking after Shanti for a friend, but temporary grew into permanent after a special bond was formed between the two! Shanti was originally rescued from a shelter and has blossomed into a gentle and caring mutt with classy manners and quite a smile!

Shanti is now an official SPCA ambassador, as well as a visiting PAT dog, and has adapted perfectly to the demands of stardom together with the therapeutic love she shares with the residents of Includid group homes and the Alexandra Hospital staff, as well as patients at several frail care facilities.

Pets As Therapy is a registered NPO organization, providing therapeutic visits to hospitals, children’s homes, retirement homes, special needs schools and other similar organizations and institutions. PAT was started in South Africa in 2000 and our exposure in the media and at the SPCA events like the Wiggle Waggle Walk-a-thon and Mutt of the Year helps us to recruit volunteers and their pets and to grow the organization.

Dogs are temperament tested and assessed and if accepted, their owners undergo a mentorship programme to ensure they are familiar with the stringent requirements of dogs, owners and the institutions they visit.

Being a volunteer at PAT provides opportunities to interact with people of all ages, many of whom face challenging situations. It is hugely rewarding and satisfying to watch people interact with our pets and see them respond with love, affection and smiles. It is also very satisfying to be warmly welcomed back each time we arrive with our companion dog (and cats) for a visit.