TOO many dogs and not enough people to pat them, that’s the frustration facing Annie Kenning, the ACT branch co-ordinator of the Delta Society Australia, a volunteer organisation that brings dogs and their owners into facilities where people have limited access to animals.

“There may be a resident of a nursing home who was once a dog owner, but the facilities don’t allow for pets so they feel they may never see another dog,” says Annie.

“It can mean a lot to them to have that interaction again.”

Both dog and owner undergo an assessment and training period before they can volunteer, but Annie says the ACT branch now has 10 therapy teams and not enough nursing homes.

“It’s a shame because we can see the benefit the dogs bring to the residents.

“It gives them something to look forward to, and we build a rapport and provide a routine. It also gives the carers a point of discussion, especially with dementia patients where communication stops.

“And the great thing is, dogs are just dogs; they’re just themselves. They have a wonderful time.”

Animals can lift the mood, spark conversation and stimulate the senses of the people they visit, says Annie. “It brings the outside world in for them and can really brighten their day,” she says.

“We bring our own dogs. George has such a good life; he needs to earn his keep!”

Long-term volunteer Marilyn Beaverstock takes her dog Ollie, a seven-year-old Japanese Spitz, to Villagio Sant’ Antonio nursing home in Page.

“Ollie gets so excited when he sees me put my Delta shirt on, he’s waiting by the door,” she says.

“He gets to know people at the home, for example there’s a guy in a wheelchair who likes to scratch Ollie’s back, so he’ll back up to him. It’s lovely to see.”

Marilyn says that a very strong, trusting bond with your dog is required for volunteers, because it’s a foreign environment for them.

“They can get over-cuddled, and you do have to watch for signs of stress in the dog, even if it’s been a short visit,” she says. “I once saw Ollie shaking after about half an hour, so I just took him home.”

Annie, who visits Upper Jindalee nursing home in Narrabundah with George, an 18-month-old West Highland Terrier, agrees.