Dr Cha Cha receiving his massage therapy from these group of ladies.
Dr Remy listening to the elderlies sharing health remedies with Angela , her guardian.
Our Dr Dog animal-therapy programme was featured on Hong Kong's ATV network programme “Inside Story” with footage from their filming of a visit to the HKYWCA Cheng Pon Hing Care and Attention Home for the Elderly .
On 20 January 2010, five or our lovely Dr Dogs – Baby, Cha Cha, Goldie, Lily and Remy – visited seniors at the home in Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong . Dr Dog has been visiting these seniors on a regular basis since 2003.
We started the morning with quizzes and games at the canteen, and later our Dr Dogs, along with their guardians and the HK Dr Dog Team, were invited to visit the senior residents’ dormitories to catch up on the latest news of their families and friends, while relaxing with the Dr Dogs.
Drs Baby, Lily, Cha Cha, Goldie, Remy with guardians Helen, Janice, Florence and Angela join the seniors to pose for the ATV crew.
Drs Lily , Baby and Goldie, with Janice and the seniors get ready for their interview with ATV.
Mr Frederick Tse (謝剛華), the Superindentent of this residential home for the elderly commented on Dr Dog as follows:
“In the early 2000s, when Dr Dog started to visit this home, 60% of the elderly were 80 years old and over. However as time has gone by, 35 % of these elderly need special attention and care and 85% of the residents are now 80 years old or more. Over the years the Dr Dogs have witnessed the seniors becoming fragile and sick due to old age and vice versa as well – these lovely seniors have also witnessed our Dr Dog friends getting on with age.
The Dr Dogs and the seniors are like “Happy Dandelions”『快樂的蒲公英』 . When they have an opportunity, they are both so willing to spread the seed of care and love. It started years ago when Dr Dogs were a source of comfort for these seniors, however, by now the seniors have learnt to become more active and concerned about their canine friends’ wellbeing as well.
Although the gatherings between Dr Dogs and the seniors only happen a few times a year, there exists a very special bond between our humankind and these canine friends. We all become more loving and caring about each other, and is this an inspiration for happiness.”
Mr Tse added, “On behalf of the HKYWCA Cheng Pon Hing Care and Attention Home for the Elderly we sincerely wishe the Animals Asia Foundation, in particular the Dr Dog Programme, well wishes and “We all are Happy Dandelions”.
