Pet Therapy Enjoyed by Children and Young People at Children’s Care Centre

29th June 2023

Staff and residents at Lakewood Children’s Care Centre, Bangor recently celebrated National Bring Your Dog to Work Day 2023, by voting for their favourite pooch for the young people to spend the day with!

Staff at the centre created fantastic election posters for their pet dogs, with the children and young people hosting a pet election to decide on who their winner would be. The lucky winner then got to spend the day being pampered by the children and young people in the centre, allowing them to enjoy some pet therapy too!.

There was stiff competition between the pets and in particular; from Mabel, Beau, Adian, Tilly and Patrick. In the end the young people voted for 9 week old Daisy the Dachshund, to spend the day with them. This was an excellent way to celebrate dogs and the invaluable companionship and bond they can create with young people.

Speaking of the success and how much the young people enjoyed the day Lakewood Manager, Greer Munday said, “We were delighted to welcome the opportunity for four legged friends to the Centre! Pets, especially dogs, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and improve cardiovascular health.

“We want to show our young people that caring for an animal can help children and young people feel more secure and active and Friday was a special day for our young people and the staff in the centre.”

There are a number of benefits associated with pet therapy which include; making you feel happier, lessoning depression and reducing feelings of anxiety through calming effects. Dogs are great companions and help reduce boredom but more importantly can help children and young people learn to be more empathic and develop nurturing skills.