Canine Friends Pet Therapy News & Events

2025 Newsletter #1

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 03:52:55 GMT

October Dog World Article

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 03:35:01 GMT

September Dog World article

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:59:24 GMT

August Dog World article

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:39:29 GMT

July Dog World Article

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:34:02 GMT

May Dog World Article

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:34:17 GMT

June Dog World article

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:12:44 GMT

Newsletter #2

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:38:19 GMT

March Dog World Article

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 03:56:26 GMT

December Dog World article

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 20:43:47 GMT

November Dog World article

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:41:19 GMT

October Dog World Article

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:39:51 GMT

September Dog World article

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:38:02 GMT

August Dog World Article

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:34:14 GMT

Newsletter #2

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 20:59:38 GMT

July Dog World Article

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 04:11:25 GMT

June Dog World article

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 03:02:35 GMT

May Dog World Article

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 04:10:14 GMT

April Dog World Article

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 03:22:36 GMT

February DogWorld

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 00:53:40 GMT

December Dogworld

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 05:52:22 GMT

November DogWorld

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 23:39:12 GMT

October Dog World 2022

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:45:16 GMT

September Dog World 2022

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 09:24:21 GMT

August Dog World 2022

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 09:20:47 GMT

July Dog World 2022

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 03:22:46 GMT

April Dog World 2022

Sun, 22 May 2022 10:23:46 GMT

May Dog World 2022

Sat, 21 May 2022 04:27:21 GMT

March Dog World 2022

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 05:07:09 GMT

Dog World February

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:57:07 GMT

Dog World December

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 23:15:23 GMT

Dog World November 2021

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 23:52:04 GMT

We are not accepting Applications until 1 February 2022

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 23:28:22 GMT

Please note that we are not accepting new applications until 1 February 2022. Our online application form will then become available.

Dog World October 2021

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 02:06:41 GMT

Dog World September 2021

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 05:00:03 GMT

Dog World August 2021

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 05:06:33 GMT

Dog World July 2021

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 05:02:45 GMT

Dog World June 2021

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 04:51:24 GMT

Dog World May 2021

Sun, 23 May 2021 01:53:30 GMT

Dog World April 2021

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 09:13:11 GMT

Dog World March 2021

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 09:18:32 GMT

Our Summer newsletter

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 08:34:40 GMT

A great smorgasbord of stories and photos of our awesome pet therapy teams.

Canine Friends feature in the Eldernet Gazette

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 02:23:55 GMT

Vicky Graham gives an overview about pet therapy.

Canine Friends feature in MSD's SuperSeniors e-newsletter

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 03:38:49 GMT

Sue Clarke and Peri from Foxton share their experience of being members of Canine Friends

Canine Friends feature in the Aged Plus e-newsletter

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 03:31:03 GMT

FIRST DAY ON THE JOB

HAS LEXI GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

It is time to take latest recruit, Lexi the Border Collie, for her first visit to the Jane Winstone Rest Home, to see if she has what it takes to be a Canine Friend Pet Therapy dog.

The Spring Newsletter

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 02:56:24 GMT

A great selection of stories about the places we visit:
- rest homes
- hospitals
- home visits
- conferences
- tertiary institutions
- community events
Click on the image to access the full newsletter

Dominion Post article on Oxford & Amanda Yong

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 08:26:47 GMT

Read this great article about "An aneurysm, a hospital stay, and a dog called Oxford"

The Winter Newsletter

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 04:01:54 GMT

Click on the image to access the newsletter

Our President's AGM speech

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:33:56 GMT

Our AGM was held online for the
first time on Wed 10th June.
Here is the speech given by our
President Vicky Graham.

May DogWorld Article

Sun, 24 May 2020 00:32:07 GMT

Our Autumn Newsletter

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 22:32:41 GMT

Click on the image to access the newsletter

Eileen Curry stars in Good Sorts (Feb 9th 2020)

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 09:28:10 GMT

Click here to view the Good Sorts article on how Eileen Curry started Canine Friends 30 years ago.

Our Summer Newsletter

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 05:20:34 GMT

Click on the image to access the newsletter

A Heartwarming Visit

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 08:49:45 GMT

STILL World Suicide Prevention Day

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 01:32:21 GMT

Charlie, Archer and Cas providing much comfort on STILL - World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10 , 2019, Christchurch.

Whanganui Health Awards - Whakapapa & Whanaungatanga

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 04:44:34 GMT

Prince Caspian (Cass), the Canine Friends Pet Therapy Dog, nominated at the WDHB Te Tohu Rangatira Health and Disability Awards, Friday, 6th September, 2019 under the Whakapapa and Whanaungatanga category. Although he didn’t win his category, it was fabulous to showcase what this amazing boy does…he’s already a winner in the eyes of his work family. Chy, Clinical Co-ordinator, CMH & A Services.

Our Spring Newsletter

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 08:27:56 GMT

Click on the image to read our latest newsletter

Kiwis helping Kiwis

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 07:11:02 GMT

There’s no quicker way to bring a smile to Kiwis’ faces than to share a pat with a cute cuddly canine. However, for many New Zealanders the benefits of interacting with a dog can be transformative. Canine Friends Pet Therapy volunteer, Marjory, would know — she’s seen the magic happen first hand.

Click on the above link to watch this heartwarming story.

Busta's - and owner Debbie Watts' - first visit to Eversley Rest Home in Hastings

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:39:44 GMT

Canine Friends Pet Therapy share the love with those who need it most (see article by Sarah Cates, in the Hawke's Bay App, Sunday, July 21, 2019).

Kallista-Rose, Chris, Debbie and Busta

The room lit up. It was Busta's - and owner Debbie Watts' - first visit to Eversley Rest Home in Hastings.

They both took it in their stride. Debbie, full of proud smiles, with a very handsome two-year-old Golden Retriever by her side, made their way around the room, leaving a trail of joy behind them.

Canine Friends Pet Therapy brings the healing love of a dog to those who need it the most.

Busta making friends with Hazel.

Hawke’s Bay Liaison Officer Chris Partridge openly shows her emotion as Busta works his magic.

Chris says, “It can be very emotional! Somehow, the dogs open people up. Those who haven’t spoken for a while, folks who are down in the dumps and haven’t managed a smile in sometime and those that are unwell or lonely. The dogs just know, they know who needs the extra attention. It’s astonishing. Sometimes, I go back to the car and have a little cry!”.

After 30 years, and with almost 800 members throughout New Zealand, Canine Friends Pet Therapy has come a long way since its founder, Eileen Curry, first recognised the necessity for people entering rest homes and residential care, to have continued contact with dogs.

“Eileen was working for the SPCA when she met an elderly woman who had to move from her house to a small flat. Sadly, her dog was not allowed to go with her. Eileen saw how upsetting this was for the women; the despair of separation was terrible to see. It was then Eileen offered to visit the women with her own dog in a hope it would help settle the women in,” Chris says.

From these humble beginnings, the organisation now brings therapy to thousands of people. Eileen’s philosophy hasn’t altered, it was and always will be, about the love.

Eileen said, “It’s about the love dogs have for people and our wish to share that with others”.

Debbie Watts with her gorgeous Busta.

Bev, a diversional therapist based in Eversley, sees the immediate and long-term benefits regular visits from the dogs bring to the residents.

Bev says, “You can see the warmth and love in the dog’s eyes. And this love is reciprocated from the person. The dogs are attracted to those who need that love. It’s not just tactile, a deeper bond develops. The residents look forward to the visit, it becomes a very important part of their lives. And, it’s not just the dog they build a relationship with, it’s the owner too”.

The healing attributes of dogs have been well documented. There is an overwhelming body of evidence that shows spending time with a dog has a multitude of positive health and well-being benefits.

When we pat a friendly dog our blood pressure goes down, heartrate slows, we relax as muscle tension lessens and our breathing becomes more regular. Stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are lowered and the ‘happy’ hormone – oxytocin is released.

But it goes well beyond science. Our bond with dogs began thousands of years ago when our ancestors first locked eyes with the more sociable, and we could say ‘sweet’ wolves, looking for a space by the campfire. This started a unique and universally cherished, relationship between human and dog.

Kallista-Rose giving Busta a well-done hug.

Debbie and Busta's first visit to Eversley marked the beginning of a new set of unknown relationships waiting to blossom.

Debbie said, “I loved that! It feels so good to share Busta and just give something back. I am very happy to give up some of my time to bring happiness to others through Busta”.

As we left the residents and staff waved goodbye to Debbie and Busta. It was emotional, even the staff were a little misty-eyed.

Chris’s granddaughter ‘Kallista-Rose’ a proud owner of three dogs, gave Busta a well-done hug. The love she felt for all dogs was obvious.

Kallista-Rose said “I was born with dogs! I love them. They have such great personalities and are so kind”.

Chris would love to share more dogs with the community. Canine Friends Pet Therapy also take dogs into Universities, hospitals and places of employment.

Chris says, “We are always looking for new members and are very keen to meet owners that want to share their dogs”.

Chris adds, “Not all dogs are suitable for the role, they have to friendly, well-behaved, and love human contact. We go out and visit the owner and the dog for an assessment first and take it from there. If all goes well, I then match the dog in a suitable placement. I try to get a small and a big dog in one place if I can!”

This is valuable work. Thanks to Eileen and all the amazing volunteers, thousands of people who maybe stressed, troubled, unwell or lonely receive companionship and healing from one of Canine Friends Pet Therapy’s teams.

If you have a suitable dog and some time to share, visit Canine Friends Pet Therapy’s website for more information.

Mary Barton shares her pet therapy experiences

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 02:36:55 GMT

Mary Barton shares her
experiences with the NZ
Herald about pet therapy
and the impact Minnie has
when she visits the local
rest home in Rotorua.

Sid's Story

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 02:25:33 GMT

Here's a great clip about Anne
Marie and her dog Sid that was
published in the North Shore
Channel Magazine.

DogWorld Article April 2019

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 06:55:46 GMT

A great story about Brock

Our Winter Newsletter

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 06:40:09 GMT

Click on the image to access our latest newsletter filled with great pet therapy stories and photos.

DogWorld Article March 2019

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 10:16:37 GMT

Here is our Patron visiting residents at Te Hopai

Our Autumn Newsletter

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 20:01:16 GMT

Click on the image to access our latest newsletter filled with great pet therapy stories and photos.

Canine Friends article in February DogWorld

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 09:06:56 GMT

Check out the great story and pics from the 2018 Special Children's Christmas Party.

Dame Patsy visits Te Hopai with Canine Friends

Sat, 08 Dec 2018 21:12:15 GMT

Click here to read more about Dame Patsy's visit to Te Hopai

Your Summer Newsletter

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 06:12:38 GMT

Click on the newsletter to read our latest newsletter. Its jam packed with great stories, photos and information.

Cahill Animal Hospital & MORE FM Doggy Day Out

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 23:55:19 GMT

Cahill Animal Hospital (Palmerston North ) and MORE FM donated the proceeds ($147) of their Doggy Day Out on Sunday November 18th to Canine Friends Pet Therapy. Many thanks to all the participants.

Grey Power Donation

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 23:22:24 GMT

Brenda Kenworthy and her lovely Bluck Russion Terrier Nina went and were a huge hit at a recent Grey Power meeting and have very kindly been given a $30 donation for Canine Friends.

Rick Mudgeway nominated for Capital Coast DHB Volunteer of the Year

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 05:39:09 GMT

TEST: Rick & Oxford's nomination reads:

Pet Therapy. Rick comes weekly to visit ICU as a volunteer with his dog Oxford. He visits any patient, relative or staff member that would like to see Oxford. ICU is a complex, stressful and foreign place to patients and relatives. And Oxford the dog provides some normality and 'time out' for a few minutes and appears to change the atmosphere of the unit to a more calm environment. His visits also change the predominately clinical conversation to past memories and nice times when patients and family members weren't in the ICU. We have had dog lovers who have been semi- conscious who Oxford has visited and with the help of their relatives placing their hand on Oxford have started to pat him and look more relaxed. Rick is a very self-less person who gives a lot of time to ICU and other departments. He is intuitive on situations that may be happening on the unit and will never impose, and is conscious of patient privacy. We consider Rick a valued member of the ICU team and appreciate what he does for our patients, relatives and staff.

Liaison Officer Appreciation Day

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 05:32:03 GMT

TEST: On Saturday 3rd November, 28 Liaison Officers, Assessor, Placement Helpers and Committee Members came together at the Miramar Golf Club Conference Centre to share experiences and improve the visiting experience for our members and the organisations we visit