TOP Dogs – Therapy Dogs GQ

Charl Leslie had a chat to Nan Perold and Kayleigh Heidemann, and Popcorn, about the heartwarming service provided by their NPO :

Touch Our Pets – Therapy Dogs – known as TOP Dogs – was started by eight dedicated Therapy Dog handlers, and their pets, in August 2008.

Here in GQ, Nanette Perold is the Port Elizabeth Coordinator and Visit Leader , and Kayleigh Heideman her 2IC!

WHAT WE DO :

We run Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Educational Programmes : groups of qualified handlers and their qualified dogs visit frail care institutions, hospitals, children’s homes, and schools, spreading joy and healing wherever we go, thanks to our four-legged team members.

We also have a Court Preparation Programme :

This involves children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have been abused and have to go to court to testify against their abusers. This is an incredible programme whereby TOP Dogs teach the children in a non-threatening way what to expect when they get to court by roleplaying with the dogs as magistrates, prosecutors, etc. The children are also given a knitted / crocheted puppy to take with them on court day.

A list of our needs :

We are always looking for new handlers and dogs to join our team.

Financial donations are always welcome.

Pictured below : Some members of the GQ Team working with children in need.