Flynn came into my life nearly 6 years ago, when I re homed him he was 2 years.  It was love at first sight! 

As I got to know him I realised what a wonderful gentle nature he had and how quick he was to learn new commands/tricks.  I was interested in getting involved in some volunteer work, but wanted to do something far removed from my paid work, so I decided on Pet Therapy.  I contacted Peata, the organisation take their name from the Irish word for pet.  It is a voluntary association established in 1996, Peata takes its name from the Irish word for pet. It is a voluntary association established in 1996 and has it's main objectives are

To provide a pet therapy service to caring institutions.

To promote an awareness of the benefits people derive from pets.

To further the understanding of the relationship between people and pets.

We were invited to attend training and assessment at the Hospice in Harold's Cross, he passed with flying colours.

We then began working with three intellectually disabled boys aged 9, 11 and 14 years, who were housed in a community setting.  Initially it was all play, then we progressed to each boy walking the dog, the difference in the boys over a short period of time was profound, one of the boys spoke his name and made all the normal actions to call the dog, they look forward to him arriving each week.  He brings companionship, aids their social interaction, gives the boys non-judgemental affection, he helps reduce stress and lowers blood pressure and aids their stimulation and motivation.

I was very fortunate to be able to trace his Breeder Mary McNally through his paperwork, I cannot thank Mary enough for all her advice/assistance and expert knowledge over the years.

Miriam O'Donnell