PAWS program lends helping hand to Canberra's pet owners
As many pet owners will know all too well, four-legged friends are another member of the family.
But if people are too sick or frail to care for their furry family member in the same way they used to, a team of Canberra volunteers is there ready to help.
PAWS volunteers Jan Phillips, left, Di Johnstone, right, and Northside community services social inclusion co-ordinator Sam Muller, centre, with Kirsty the scottish terrier, Sherlock the havanese, and Mintie the west highland white terrier.
Photo: Sitthixay DitthavongFor the past 10 years, the PAWS (Pet Assistance and Wellbeing Service) program has been assisting Canberra pet owners by providing pet walking, transport to the vet, or feeding and grooming.
Penny Canning-Menon from Northside Community Services - the organisation that runs the program - said PAWS aims to look after pets while their owners are going through difficult times.
"There could be cases where people have had injuries and are no longer able to walk their dog any more, or drive them to the vet," she said.
"It's all about providing that support mechanism, and awareness is growing."
There are about 25 participants in the program who are assisted by a group of 20 volunteers, whose number has steadily grown during the past decade.
Ms Canning-Menon said it's essential for pets to receive care and exercise when their owners may not be physically able to provide it.
"Pets can become bored and sometimes destructive if they are not regularly exercised," she said.
"For many people, pets are an amazing way for people to connect to the communuty."
Di Johnstone has been a volunteer helping to take care of pets for the past three years.
She said the program could help to alleviate the stress that many pet owners go through if they are experiencing difficult circumstances.
"These pets are members of the family, and they are fundamental to the welfare of the owner and they can provide tremendous companionship, particularly when people are living in isolated situations," she said.
"There's a great deal of satisfaction in being able to help people do what they can no longer do with their animals, and be able to build up a really positive relationship."
Ms Canning-Menon said pets can provide many benefits to those with injuries or going through difficult times, and the program was a way for those to be passed on in full.
"Pet owners normally don't visit the doctor as often and on average use less medication and have a lower cholesterol and blood pressure," she said.
"They are also more connected to the community."