Oliver our therapy dog has a new friend. Caroline from mobile dog groomers PawFace comes to pamper Oliver every month. And she’s so taken with the work that Oliver does, offering comfort and support to bereaved families in South Yorkshire, that she offers her dog grooming service for him free of charge.
Therapy dogs need to look and feel their best to spread joy and warmth. Nobody wants to be greeted by a smelly, unkempt therapy dog. But it’s not just about appearances; when therapy dogs look their best, they give off an air of confidence and approachability.
Every month Caroline brings her mobile dog grooming van to the HOPE offices and takes Oliver to be groomed. He starts by having a bath, then he has his coat de-shedded and fur trimmed before having a blow dry.
This helps to keep Oliver’s coat free from dirt and pests, which could cause skin issues and discomfort for him. It’s also an opportunity to check for any hidden bumps or scrapes that might need attention. Regular brushing and grooming also helps to reduce shedding, which means less fur flying around. And less fur in the air is better for anyone with pet allergies, who might be triggered by this.
Oliver also has his nails clipped to minimise accidental scratches when working with the family members who come to HOPE. Short nails also help when Oliver is walking on hard surfaces, where overgrown nails could cause him to slip and injure himself.
Carol, HOPE’s Project Co-ordinator for the Reading with Oliver project, said, “We’re extremely grateful to Caroline for all she does for Oliver. It’s so important to us that Oliver looks smart and well presented, as he is representing the charity when he is out in public. He is a valued member of the team and works hard to offer comfort to our bereaved families and spread a little happiness. So it’s only right that he should have his own pamper session every now and again.”
Caroline from PawFace was delighted to help HOPE, “The Charity offers such an important service to people in South Yorkshire who have suffered a sudden traumatic bereavement. Oliver is central to that service, providing emotional support and comfort at such a terrible time for these families. If I can help by ensuring that Oliver is well groomed then I’m honoured to be a small part of the structure that goes into what HOPE can offer.”
For more information about PawFace mobile pet services, visit their website https://pawfacepets.com
