ABOUT

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MY STORY


Since 2019, I have been discovering the profound impact that Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) can have on individuals. With over 25 years of experience working with children and young people across various professional settings, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting their growth and well-being. Combining my passion for helping people with my lifelong love for dogs, I founded Buddy Dog to share the remarkable benefits of this powerful pairing with those in need.

When Bonnie joined our family at just 12 weeks old, it was immediately clear that she was an exceptional and intuitive dog. Her emotional understanding and maturity are beyond her years, and she effortlessly connects with people, responding in ways that are always beneficial to their emotional well-being.

I have been training and guiding Bonnie ever since, shaping her into the incredible therapy dog she is today. Bonnie graduated with PAWS - Therapy Dog Training & Animal Assisted Therapy (click button below for website) and became a fully certified Therapy Dog at just 14 months old and she has become an integral part of our mission.

I am deeply committed to conducting sessions that provide emotional support and create experiences that have a positive impact for all participants. My core value is to nurture meaningful relationships between dog and client, ensuring that every interaction is impactful and tailored to individual needs.

Confidentiality and professionalism are of paramount importance in my work, and I strictly adhere to all relevant and essential safeguarding policies. Each session is carefully designed with varying levels of interaction to cater to every person’s unique requirements, creating a safe and supportive environment for all. Thorough risk assessments are undertaken before any interactive sessions take place to ensure appropriate levels of safety at all times.

MEET BONNIE


Born in August 2023, Bonnie is a Black Labrador who embodies everything a therapy dog should be. She is gentle, kind, and intuitive, with a fun and caring personality that lights up every room she enters.

Bonnie is known for her calm and quiet demeanor, making her a great listener and a wonderful cuddler. She loves being stroked, enjoys treats, and connects effortlessly with people of all ages and abilities.

Adventurous and eager to learn, Bonnie is always ready to try new tricks and explore new places. Her soft, loving nature creates a warm and supportive atmosphere in every session, making her an irreplaceable part of Buddy Dog.

QUALIFICATIONS

I bring a wealth of training and certifications to my practice, including:

✓ Certified and approved 'Animal Assisted Intervention' Practitioner
✓ Diploma in Dog Training (Distinction)
✓ Canine First Aid and Emergency Care
✓ Safeguarding in schools, academies and colleges (NSPCC)
✓ Safeguarding children and young people with SEND (NSPCC)
✓ Safeguarding Adults (Level 2)
✓ Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
✓ Diploma in Nursery Nursing (NNEB)
✓ Certificate in Health and Social Care
✓ GDPR Implementation
✓ Health and Safety in the Workplace
✓ Online Safety (Level 2)
✓ Enhanced DBS disclosure

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to enhance the emotional and social well-being of our clients through compassionate, personalised therapy dog sessions. It is scientifically proven that the presence of a therapy dog can reduce anxiety (through reducing cortisol levels), improve mood (through increasing dopamine levels), increase engagement levels and foster trust; all offering a gentle and effective way to support mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to be a trusted leader in animal-assisted therapy, creating inclusive environments where individuals of all backgrounds can find connection, healing, and empowerment through therapy dog interactions. We aspire to make therapy dog support accessible in diverse community settings, helping to foster empathy and resilience in those we serve.

WHY CHOOSE US?

● Certified & Insured: Fully certified in Animal Assisted Intervention, we prioritize professionalism and safety in all of our interactions.

● Experienced & Compassionate: With extensive experience in therapy and dog training, we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in each session.

● Tailored to Your Needs: Every session is customized to meet the individual needs of our clients, ensuring the best possible support.

LET’S CONNECT

Discover how our therapy sessions can support you or your loved ones.