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George's Life as a PAT Dog

Due to George's outgoing nature and naturally friendly attitude towards everyone, I decided to try to get him registered as a PAT (Pets As Therapy) dog. To begin with I was a little concerned that he wouldn't be suitable because whenever visitors arrive at our house George gets very excited—he has a tendency to hurl himself at them and to try to get onto their laps! Still, when out in public he did appear to be a little more restrained and, although he will willingly approach people, he tends not to be as exuberant in his greeting. This still leads to some embarrassing situations in the local parks as George attaches himself to a complete stranger and gives them his best "I am a sad and unloved greyhound" look.

The initial process involved taking George to the home of our local representative who had to meet him and asses his suitability to be taken into places such as hospitals and care homes. George walked through the door and his long tail wagged from start to finish. He was happy to stand and be patted, and even offered his paw to allow his belly to be rubbed. After this we had to pay a small registration fee and received lots of helpful information about visiting various places. Our local representative was happy to suggest places we might like to contact to arrange visits and, due to the retirement of another local PAT dog, there were several local nursing homes currently waiting for a new dog.

I set up the first visit myself, although once again support was offered including an experienced owner to come along on our first visit. However, George and I were quite happy to go on our own, and so, a few weeks later, off we went. Although a little uncertain about the new surroundings, once George worked out that the purpose of our trip was for him to be made a fuss of, he never wanted to leave. He quickly seemed to work out that some of the residents were less able bodied than others and if they made no effort to put a hand forward to touch him, he placed his head in their lap. Although some of the residents were initially a little frightened of George because of his size (their last PAT dog had been a Cavalier King Charles) he was perfect for those who were bedridden or wheelchair bound, as they could easily reach him without having to bend or have a dog placed on their lap.

I was asked lots of questions about George and his history and most people were fascinated to find that such a lovely dog had been unwanted for so long after his retirement from racing.

Basically George was a hit, and every week another person responds in a way that makes the small amount of time and commitment we make seem worthwhile.

The funniest incident occurred when we arrived one day at afternoon treat time and one lady had saved a bourbon cream biscuit especially for George. Having led a life where he had so far been deprived of such luxuries, George was most enthusiastic. I continued chatting, and George moved off to a group of men playing dominoes at the next table (presumably to look for more biscuits). The next thing I know one of the gentleman says, "Excuse me but your dog has taken one of our dominoes." I turned around and there was George standing with a plastic domino in his mouth looking very confused and wondering why this brown 'biscuit' didn't taste as good as the last! Well, all of the men thought this was hilarious, and ever since then whenever we arrive they always ask George if he will be joining them to play dominoes this week.

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