Canine angels

A pet therapy program is putting smiles on faces at our San Miguel Family Centre in Western Sydney.

FRESH START. NEW HOPE.

This incredible program aims to improve the literacy and self-confidence of children living at the homeless refuge with their families.

Once a week, volunteers from K9Pro come in with a therapy dog and children have the opportunity to read out loud to the dog. The dog is a great companion - doesn't judge their mistakes and provides a calming influence. After reading, kids get the chance to play with the pooch. The longer the child reads, the more play time they have.

Encouraging kids to read to the dogs removes the threat of judgement that they can feel when reading to their peers or teachers. This helps improve their literary skills and gain confidence, and is also an opportunity to interact safely with dogs.

There are little pockets of gold happening around the organisation that we don't always get the chance to hear about. This is an example of an initiative that's making a big difference. Audra McHugh, Workshops and Special Projects Coordinator

This program is only one of the many ways we are helping children, young people and families to change their lives and create brighter futures.

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