02 Sep Sound advice from our therapy dog Sasha on how to wear a face mask

September is Therapy Dog Awareness Month and you might remember our video last year showing how TDHS patients and staff alike are looking forward to our beautiful volunteer therapy dog Sasha and her owner/handler Jenny’s daily visits.

Research has shown that the presence of a beloved pet or therapy animal can help a person control daily anxiety, regulate emotional arousals, and improve mood. Since therapy dogs are trained to be attentive to a person’s needs, offer comforting cuddles and unconditional love, they can often stabilise intense emotions.

A wagging tail, a pair of big brown eyes and a cold wet nose, can make a significant difference in a patient’s day, which in turn can have positive effects on how they feel and cope with treatment. And our staff always love a Sasha cuddle too!!

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions Sasha and Jenny haven’t been able to visit our clients and staff here at the healthcare service, but they’re happy to assist in demonstrating how to correctly wear a mask 😀.

Make sure it covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face. Do not touch the front of the mask while wearing it. If you do touch the mask, wash or sanitise your hands immediately. Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or your ear. If you are wearing a homemade mask, wash it daily in hot soapy water.

Many in our community answered our call out to make home made masks for personal use for our staff  and community members and we still have bright and colourful ones available at our front desk. They are made as per DHHS instructions with 2 layers of cotton and 1 waterproof layer.

If you haven’t picked one up already or you need a replacement mask, come and see our friendly reception staff to pick one up. They are free (or you can make a gold coin donation to Emma House or The Orange Door – two local client-lead organisations aiming to reduce the impact of domestic and family violence on individuals, women and children and our community.