Therapy dogs meet and greet

Qualified furry friends were the centre of attention for many at Te Kahu o Waipuna on Thursday.

The Blenheim Public Library hosted Hato Hone St John therapy dogs Ruby and Emma as part of the library’s school holiday programme.

“It was a good rainy day in the holidays to have things like visits from therapy dogs, which are very popular”, said librarian Lizzie Nott.

“We’ve had some kids waiting today who have been very well behaved, and we always consider ourselves very lucky and appreciative to host them as they’re busy pups visiting schools and rest homes too.

“I have had a chance to show them my appreciation first as they came up the stairs – there’s got to be some perks to the job!

“The dogs must be trained therapy dogs to volunteer with St John – when we come to these events, we tell Ruby she’s going to work she loves it”, says owner Heather Rocco.

“Ruby is a regular going to Redwoodtown School with the kids there and just turned three last week – although she was not this chill as a puppy.

“But she is a wonderful dog with lots of personality, and when on a lead around children at ‘work’ she’s very calm and placid with the little ones.”

Ruby was also joined by Emma, a Border Collie who regularly visits Ashwood Park rest home.

“We would love to have more qualified therapy dogs join us for days like this, but we really appreciate how popular they are”, said Emma’s owner Barbara Renfrew.