Wag – a great opportunity for dogs and owners to socialise
MORE than 30 dogs were taken to Saumarez Park by their owners this weekend for the second Wag event in the series of 10 parish walks.
It is the fifth year of the scheme by Wellbeing Animals Guernsey, and each dog is given a passport which is stamped for each walk attended.
‘There’s 10 walks in 10 weeks each in a different parish, and on the final walk our patron, Harvey the Cavachon, presents the dogs with a certificate,’ said Wag chairwoman Marguerite Talmage.
‘It’s a great opportunity for both dogs and their owners to socialise with others and to also discover different walks in different parishes.’
Wag provides therapy dog visits at the hospital, residential homes and schools as part of a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Sometimes stroking or playing with a dog can bring feelings of comfort, and can reduce stress levels or anxiety. Dogs can improve the quality of life for dementia sufferers, sometimes triggering long-suppressed emotions or memories.
Patron Harvey is the pup of Dr Nicola Brink, who also enjoys the health and social benefits of the weekly walk.
‘Harvey has been to all of the walks, he absolutely loves them and he’s hopefully going to start training at the end of this year to become a wellbeing dog,’ said Dr Brink.
‘I think it’s great for us all to get together and it’s a fantastic local charity that is focused on the needs of local people, which is what makes Wag so unique.’
Owner Lynn and her dog Milly have been attending the walks for three years. ‘My dog is quite nervous, but once I get her here she really calms down and enjoys it,’ she said.
‘It’s great for the owners as well, as it’s good to socialise and make friends and a group of us have even continued the Sunday dog walks throughout the rest of the year.’
The walks take place weekly until the final walk on 27 November.
n More information can be found at www.wag.org.gg.
