For some, canine companionship achieves more than human interaction ever could. However, with companionship comes responsibility and not everyone who wants a dog is in a position where they can properly care for one.
Luckily, a new service was introduced to the Sunshine Coast earlier this year: Dial-A-Dog, which provides social visits for those who want to spend time with a friendly dog. Activities may include going for a walk, running some daily errands or just relaxing somewhere comfortable.
Heather Fowler, owner of Dial-A-Dog Canine Companions, said she almost daily hears heart-warming testimonials from clients.
At last weekend’s Halfmoon Bay Fair, one girl proclaimed to her parents, “This is better than doughnuts!” while at the kissing booth where Daisy the poodle was working diligently, Fowler shared.
She said one of their largest groups of clients are people who recently lost their dogs and are missing that unique connection.
The list of benefits from spending time with a dog is long and includes destressing, bereavement comfort, exercise and fostering confidence, said Fowler
Fowler has volunteered with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program since 2011. When she moved to the Sunshine Coast, she wanted to keep helping as many people as possible and took the leap to start Dial-A-Dog.
The organization regularly works with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) homecare, the Better at Home program and the adult mental health units through VCH, whose patients benefit from quality time with a canine companion.
Dogs and handlers can go through a children's evaluation to work with kids younger than 12, including the “Wagging Tales” reading program.
“It's just really rewarding to work with kids and just watch them bloom and grow. The main takeaway that I'm seeing with all age groups is these dogs give our clients confidence,” Fowler said.
Dial-A-Dog has eight dogs so far, each with its respective handler. Fowler explained the two act as a team to support their clients with tasks like picking up prescriptions or library books, playing games or cards and helping with computer or technological problems.
It’s not just the dogs who are well trained – the handlers undergo a large amount of training and ongoing education including first aid, criminal records checks, learning about elder abuse and understanding how to work with those who have dementia and mental health complications.
The group started accepting clients in May after Fowler applied for and received funding from the YMCA Self Employment Program.
Because of how Fowler designed her business plan, all clients they have worked with have received these services for free through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (though the grant covers more than seniors).
In the short time the group has been operating, Fowler says she has received overwhelming support from the community.
She and her team do their best to record the tender moments shared by their clients, as they hear about the never-ending list of ways dogs can enrich people's lives.
Following the warm reception Dial-A-Dog has received from the Coast, Fowler said they may have another evaluation to see if they can add more dogs and handlers to the team in September.
“I don't know what it is but these dogs do all the work. They provide all the magic and we're just at the end of the leash,” Fowler said.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
