Who we are
Paws For Therapy, an Isle of Man-based registered charity, was formed in 2007. We arrange for registered and assessed animals to carry out therapeutic visits to hospice and Rebecca House (the new children’s hospice), nursing, residential and care homes, day care centres, special needs units and schools, and mainstream schools, establishments working with children and many other similar such places.
Our aims and objectives
With the help of well behaved animals we aim to:
- Help speed recovery after an illness
- Bring comfort and companionship to people of all ages
- Enhance the quality of life through bonding with animals
Visiting teams: Patients often feel isolated but even the most withdrawn seem to open up and let the barriers down when their regular therapy animal arrives. Our visiting teams bring everyday life close and with it all the happy associations of home. An undemanding animal, who gives unconditional love, is often one of the most missed aspects of their lives. Paws For Therapy helps to make this loss more bearable and speed recovery.
Therapeutic work: Paws For Therapy animals can assist in the psychological enhancement and improvement of people who have experienced some sort of trauma or who are suffering from anxiety and worry. People with debilitating illnesses such as strokes or injury, as well as psychological problems, can benefit as our Paws For Therapy animals provide a physical incentive and motivation which encourages movement and aids rehabilitation.
Animal phobia: We are increasingly doing work with people who suffer from animal phobias, to try to help them overcome their phobia which can become very debilitating if left unaddressed. We have worked with some young children to help them gain confidence around dogs and have had some very pleasing and positive results. An older lady who had been terrified of dogs all of her life has overcome her fear through interaction with one of our dogs.
Companionship: People who have owned animals all their lives may find it particularly traumatic to have to give them up when they go into long-term residential care. Paws For Therapy carefully match visiting animals with residents and arrange regular visits. The visiting animal is encouraged to be looked upon as the next best thing to ‘their’ pet which can lead to a relationship and bond with the animal. It is a well-known and clinically proven fact that an animal to cuddle and talk to reduces blood pressure and enhances the frame of mind, which gives a little extra boost in addition to medical skills and nursing care.
How you can help us
Volunteer: We are always looking for new volunteers who are willing to visit establishments all over the Island with their well behaved animals. Paws For Therapy looks for very specific qualities in the animals it registers as therapy animals to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
Donations: We would be delighted if you help us continue our valuable work by making a donation.