There’s a new local voluntary organisation in Sussex that provides temperament-assessed therapy cats and dogs for those in need throughout the county. All our members are volunteers who take their own pets to visit residential care homes, special/mainstream schools, hospitals, hospices and other similar organisations. We are a group of volunteers who believe that animals provide a source of companionship, love and comfort that is unique.
To be suitable the dog or cat must be people-oriented, not too excitable but not too nervous as they may come across unexpected noises and unusual behavior during their visit. If, after a series of simple tasks, the pet is suitable, then we discuss with the volunteer what kind of place they would like to visit and what might best suit their animal. Once approved, visits are usually conducted weekly or fortnightly depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the patients to be visited.
The Whistler 