SAM Docherty is making his time in isolation count.
As players look to maintain their fitness and be in the best shape possible for the season’s resumption, Docherty is also taking the initiative to get involved in a worthwhile cause.
Docherty is supporting Paws4Kids, which funds MacKillop Family Services’ Paw Pals education program.
Utilising therapy dogs to help vulnerable kids who have experienced difficulties and emotional challenges as well as helping kids engage in education, Docherty’s involvement began through his cousin Caitlin.
The two joined SEN’s Bob and Andy on Wednesday afternoon, outlining the initiative and what it was designed to do.
“It’s a really amazing program that helps these kids get through some pretty tough times,” Caitlin said.
“I’m a child psychologist and work with these kids every day. Some of the wonderful ways that people are supporting these kids — canine therapy is one of those.
“It’s only been going for a year… at the moment, we’ve only got three but obviously we’re wanting to build the program to have more dogs and more facilitators to work with as many kids that need it.
“Even being in the presence of a dog can have such a mindful experience and bring down the levels of stress and anxiety so kids can engage in learning.”
Due to Paw Pals being an essential education program, it is still operating and is more important than ever given the current social isolation across the community.
As the program receives more demand than it can currently cater for, Carlton’s co-captain was more than willing to get involved — especially as a dog owner himself.
“Having gone through a couple of significant surgeries and my wife working, it was just me and the dog at home. He definitely proved the support I needed as an owner: he’s a good little boy,” he said.
“That’s why I love this program: there are people that genuinely need this help and these kids need the help to learn.
“It really does have an impact on their lives.”
If you’d like to support the program, you can find out more information here.
