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Reflections
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"As I work with my pet, my therapy dogs, I feel so blessed, that I have the opportunity to help bring joy laughter and assist the lonely and sick people. God has had a purpose in allowing me to have my dogs so that they could bring joy not only to me, but more importantly to people with a true need for the soothing experience of holding and stroking a quiet, warm little dog who just seems to love to sit or lie there and let them hold her, or do tricks to entertain and help exercise their limbs. The benefits of these experiences are priceless to me. "
~ Melinda Ann Michael with Chewy/Catalan Sheepdog
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"We really enjoy going to the homes with our lovely dogs and every visit something unbelievable happens there … resident had not spoken a single word, but her reaction when she saw Silky, she began smiling, petting her and best of all … talking. Our dogs have a special way of demonstrating the unconditional love. We have also noticed the difference our visits have made to the lives of the residents, and we know even though it is difficult for them to express themselves, they appreciate our visits very much. As a retiree, we feel physically and mentally healthier in new environment of commitment and challenges as a PAT volunteer."
~ Charlie and Mabel Ho with Silky/Golden Retriever and Stallion/GSD |
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"It's always a joy to see how the residents welcome us when we walk into their ward or common hall for our PAT work each month. Freo and I love bringing the residents for a short walk on a double leash, it's our favourite part of the PAT visits! The residents get their exercise while enjoying the breeze and chatting with us along the way."
~ Tricia Tan with Freo/Silky Terrier
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"We first considered joining TDS 3 years ago, when we thought it would be a good idea to teach our girls Elaine and Emily to share our beautiful dog Polar. It turned out to be a wonderful and meaningful family bonding activity (loads better than trawling the malls!) and has taught them important lessons about compassion for the less privileged. We realised that in giving, we have received so much more in return – we have enjoyed every pet therapy session and look forward to many more!"
~ The Lui Family with Polar/Samoyed
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"There’s no better way to spend our Saturday afternoons than taking our dogs for PAT sessions. Nothing to us is more heartening and encouraging than to be greeted by the earnest smiles and eager requests from the residents to carry, pet, and feed our dogs. It’s so amazing to see how faces immediately light up and the cheer factor move up several notches during each and every visit. We always leave each session feeling so energised, refreshed and blessed by the warm fellowship. Every visit is always so touching, special and memorable in its own way – new friendships blossom, hugs are shared, and someone’s day is made more complete. The experience we’ve had being a part of the TDS team has indeed been an extremely wonderful one and definitely most enriching. We are so very humbled to be able part of this meaningful work and to be a channel to share a little love and joy those in need. Indeed, serving at TDS is an opportunity that we will always be very grateful for, and we count this as one of our greatest blessings.”
~ Joshua Koh and Pearly Cheong with Samuel/Bernese Mountain Dog and Gabriel/Rough Collie |
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"Joining TDS as a PAT volunteer has brought much fulfillment to my life and has turned me into a more compassionate person. It is a joy to see the smiling faces of the residents whenever we visit them. It is also heartening to know that simple gestures like lending a listening ear, taking walks and letting the residents handle or pat my dog, Bambi have brightened up their day and the residents will always look forward to our visit. The sessions have also trained Bambi to be less nervous with strangers and nowadays, she would readily give kisses to some of her favourite residents. Both Bambi and myself are rewarded richly from each pet therapy session we attend. ”
~ Doris Boo with Bambi/Silky Terrier |
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