Today was one of those days that reminds us exactly why we do what we do. 🐾

We held a wellbeing session at a local adult day centre, offering a gentle drop-in, drop-out format so there was absolutely no pressure and no forced interaction – just a safe, relaxed space for people to engage in whatever way felt right for them.

We brought along our educational cards about dogs – how they communicate, what their body language means, and the many ways they can support our wellbeing.

And everyone engaged in their own beautiful way.

Some service users simply watched and smiled.

Some enjoyed gently touching the dogs or observing from a distance.

But the most special moment of the day was with a service user who has a fear of dogs. At first, she sat on the other side of a glass door, watching from afar – which in itself was a huge step. By the end of the second session, she wheeled herself into the room, sat comfortably, and even gave Jake a little tickle. We were so proud of her. 🥹

She asked us how she could get over her fear of dogs, so we spent time chatting about how dogs communicate, how they read our emotions, and how small dogs were originally bred simply to be our companions and friends.

Another service user loved the session so much that she wanted to spend time saying goodbye to the dogs, asked if we’d be back next week, and even checked in with her activities coordinator to make sure!

The session was a real hit – full of smiles, gentle moments, and quiet breakthroughs. Next time, we’re going to explore dogs with jobs and all the amazing ways they help humans. We already can’t wait to go back. 💛🐶

(No photos today to protect the privacy of our vulnerable service users – but trust us, the memories are very special.)