In Australia, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association trains dogs for therapeutic visits to hospitals,hospices, nursing and care homes as well as companions to elderly people who live in their own homes. The first Cardigan Welsh Corgi to be adopted under the scheme was CH VALJAX ROYAL TIARA who was donated to the Scheme by her owner Miss. Jeanette Jayne of ELDONLYN Kennels, Toronto N.S.W. early in the 1980’s. The PAT program provides companion dogs to give comfort, enjoyment and a sense of responsibility to the elderly and disabled. The two dogs pictured on this page are not trained PAT dogs. They were bred and are owned by Mrs Cheryl Martin of MATFEN Cardigan Welsh Corgis who is the Centre Based Respite Co-Ordinator at a home care facility in Queensland. Cheryl says that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is so adaptable and responsive to the needs of the residents, she is able to take the dogs to the facility with absolute confidence and as the photos show they are welcomed by the residents who always enjoy their visits. |
| Pets As Therapy |