MICHAEL BIHL
There was quite a lot of canine commotion on the Tuks campus on Friday September 4 as dogs and humans alike descended on the Piazza.
The “descenders” in question were from Paws for People, a community-based project which “bring[s] together domestic animals and people in a warm, nonthreatening and educational manner”.
Last Friday marked the fourth year in a row that Paws for People had visited the campus in a bid to create awareness (amongst the students) about people and other students with disabilities.
The event was held in conjunction with the Unit for Students with Special Needs (a division of Student Support on campus).
The head of Student Support, Dr Madeleine Nolte, dubbed the day as “an annual awareness day”. The dogs present lay in the shade, and passing students were welcome to pet them and take part in wheelchair races around the Piazza.
The founder of Paws for People, Lesley de Klerk, explained that the animals are used in therapeutic treatment of abused or abandoned children, the elderly, children living with cancer and people with Alzheimer’s disease, among other things.
De Klerk went on to explain that when humans and animals interact in a friendly environment it reduces the level of cortisol (a stress-inducing hormone) in the body. As a result, blood pressure is also lowered and the immune system is boosted.
Apart from creating awareness, Paws for People also lectures sociology students in the practice of using animals for social work, as well as visits hospitals and frailcare centres.
Paws for People was founded in Gauteng in 1998. It has since established branches in the Far East Rand, East Rand, West Rand, Johannesburg North, Vanderbijl Park, Durban and the Natal Midlands.
Paws for People is a non-profi t organization comprised of volunteers. Anyone looking for information on how to get involved with Paws for People should visit their website at www.pawsforpeople.co.za.
