New Zealand Dog News

Reviewing the dog news in New Zealand with editors comments. Someone needs to keep reviewing how our dogs are doing in society.

June 05, 2009

New CYF worker: small, furry and here to stay

New CYF worker: small, furry and here to stay

She is a four-year-old Border Collie cross dog, her name is Tess, and she is now a permanent part of the staff at Child, Youth and Family’s care and protection residence in Wellington.

Tess has moved in to the residence full-time to support therapeutic interventions with the young people who live in the residence. She is thought to be the first pet to live-in full time like this in New Zealand.

The initiative is a first for the Wellington SPCA who are monitoring the placement closely to ensure that Tess is settling in well. “We spent a long time talking with Child, Youth and Family before we placed Tess in the residence. We took the time to find the right dog with the right temperament, when we found Tess we knew she would fit in great” says Nick Taylor, Wellington SPCA Animal Operations Manager.

Having a pet live-in full time, also known as ‘pet therapy’, has a number of benefits for the young people including helping them to build empathy and learn nurturing skills. Pet therapy has been used in settings such as hospitals and prisons for many years where the pets will visit for short periods. Tess is thought to be the first pet to live full-time.

“We’ve had to make a few changes around the residence to give Tess the space she needs, including a private space for when she needs time out” says Ross Barber, Residence Manager for Child, Youth and Family. MORE<>

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