Oliver's a therapy dog

He must be one of Remuera's busiest volunteers, giving up four days a week to bring a bit of joy into people's lives.

This 40kg bundle of fluff is a bernese mountain dog named Oliver.

The bernese is a particularly friendly, loyal breed that loves to be around people – which is what makes Oliver such a good pet therapy dog.

He and his owner Happy Scherer visit residents at Caughey Preston rest home in Remuera on Mondays.

"He's just the right height for wheelchairs. He doesn't jump up and he doesn't lick.

"Kids can climb all over him and pull his tail and he doesn't really care," Mrs Scherer says.

Oliver visits the Ranfurly Care centre in Epsom on Tuesdays. It's a facility for people with intellectual disabilities and has a day programme as well as permanent care. The dog spends an hour with the students in the activity centre.

"Oliver's been helping one guy settle in who is a new resident here. He had a dog at home and so he enjoys taking Oliver for a walk around the block," Mrs Scherer says. MORE>>