About Us
Explore what we do and how we can support you.
Our commitment to community support led us to provide animal assisted aid through our team of Therapy Dogs in Devon.
We have seen firsthand the many benefits a therapy dog visit can provide, such as reducing anxiety and promoting independence, which inspired the creation of Bale’s Buddies Therapy Dogs Community Outreach.
Wellbeing Visits
Our Community Therapy dogs cater to individuals dealing with mental health issues, additional needs, or requiring emotional support, including the elderly and vulnerable populations. From hospitals to schools, nursing homes to community centres, our dogs visit various settings across Devon. Rest assured, we're fully insured, and our staff has undergone comprehensive DBS checks.
Tailored to each client's needs and abilities, our bespoke animal assisted wellbeing sessions are adaptable to maximise desired outcomes. We are a nonprofit organisation, and to support our services, we charge a fee for Therapy Dog visits. To learn about the cost of a visit, please contact us.
The Benefits
Many studies have shown that having a Therapy Dog present can help reduce depression, anxiety and decrease blood pressure. During visits our Therapy Dogs can offer many benefits to all age groups including:
Stress Reduction
Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to lower stress hormones and promote relaxation, helping to alleviate anxiety and tension.
Sense of Connection and Improving Communication
Stroking and cuddling with therapy dogs can create a sense of connection and belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. The non-judgmental and affectionate nature of therapy dogs can boost self-esteem and confidence, empowering individuals to feel valued and worthy of love. By boosting self-esteem and confidence people feel more open to communicating whilst receiving comfort from the dog.
Mood Boost
Spending time with therapy dogs can elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness and positivity, even on the toughest days.
Mindfullness and Presence
Spending time with therapy dogs encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment, helping individuals to focus on the here and now and find peace amidst life's challenges.
What settings do you visit?
Our four-legged team are experienced and qualified Therapy Assistance dogs. They love visiting people in the community including but not limited to:
Schools and
Education Facilities
Care, Residential and Nursing Homes
Hospitals and
Wards
Mental Health Facilities
At
Home
Workplaces and Appointments
What is involved in an Animal-Assisted Wellbeing Visit?
Experience has taught us that no two clients are the same. During your initial consultation, we will discuss everything we can do with our trained Therapy Dogs so we can tailor visits to meet the specific needs of the individual or group.
Each visit is matched to the client’s needs, abilities and how they are feeling on that particular day. A visit could include interactive games with the dogs such as hide and seek, peekaboo, tricks and agility to name a few. However, all our dogs are just as happy to be tickled on the belly, brushed and cuddle up with their client.
They are fully trained in providing emotional support and deep-pressure therapy for those who need it. Deep pressure therapy is where the dog uses their body weight when laying across a person's body which can create calming sensory feedback.