Club Member Jill Craig, told of her involvement with the
Therapet scheme run by ‘Canine Concern Scotland’. She outlined
research suggesting that ‘man’s best friend’ may indeed have
been the catalyst for humankind to survive dangers and find
enough food. She spoke of her earliest memories growing up with
golden retrievers, always loyal and supportive dogs, which
accompanied her through childhood. She then showed photos of her
current dog Frankie, a greyhound/lurcher cross, a very different
type of dog. Lurchers are sight-hunting dogs and concentrate
fixedly on potential prey rather than on their handler’s
command. Speaking of the Therapet Scheme, Jill explained that
dogs visit care homes, welfare and dementia groups, colleges and
universities, young-carer events -basically any place where
people may need a moment of stress-free companionship and
warmth. She also described the fascinating work dogs do in
primary schools, helping children struggling with their
reading…youngsters who lack confidence reading to an adult will
happily read to a patient and admiring dog! At the end of the
talk, with special permission from the New Golf Club, Frankie
came in to meet all those members who like dogs…….. Michael
Carslaw gave the vote of thanks.