Delta Dogs: Helping Those in Need

The Delta Society may sound like a social club, a network or something similar to the American version of a sorority. But the Delta Society Australia is nothing of the sort. Since 1997 Delta has been partnering with dog owners and volunteers to provide therapy dogs to those in need.

The Delta Society trains teams and their dogs, who are first tested for compatibility to the program. Therapy dogs can be any breed or size but they need to be able to be trained well, respond to lots of attention, patting and handling, and also have a kind nature. They also need to be able to sit or stand wherever and whenever necessary for the comfort of the patient. Therapy dogs have been found, in some cases, to dramatically enhance the lives of those they touch. These dogs bring light and hope wherever they go.

The Delta website says; “Volunteers and their Delta dogs will visit any institution where re-establishing contact with a companion animal enhances the quality of the patients’ and residents’ lives. The joy and therapeutic benefit that our visiting volunteers and their Delta dogs bring to our clients – from small children to frail elderly nursing home residents – really has to be seen to be fully appreciated.”

Dogs and their owners are first trained by Delta and then sent out to these patient centres to bring a warm smile, and some affection. The dogs and owners are well identified as members of the Delta Society and wear the company’s insignia. The teams visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools and group homes.  Since December 2007, there have been over 600 Delta Dog Partnerships across Australia.

Think you and your dog could be therapy dogs? Visit the Delta Society’s website to learn more.