It's a wonderful project and needs more support :-x
www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/brainy-dogs
Brainy Dogs is a unique project as it is a collaboration of 3 organisations and benefits all 3 immensely. In short, Rescue Dogs from the Felixstowe Blue Cross are trained by Prisoners from Hollesley Bay Prison to be companion dogs to people with a neurological condition.
Our "brainy dogs" will become someone's friend and confidant, giving them a purpose to get up in the morning, partake in a healthier lifestyle and become part of a social network again via dog walking. Not only are dogs great companions but they are also great ice breakers and can help owners meet new people. They also provide a confidence boost and give their new owners something to be proud of and talk about.
The scheme greatly benefits clients of Ipswich and East Suffolk Headway and others suffering from a neurological condition in and around Suffolk. After brain injury a change of personality results in people losing their friends. Brainy Dogs fills this gap and the need to love and be loved. A Brainy Dog also acts as a great ice breaker and confidence booster, helping their owner back into social networks.
There are also dogs based at the centre for any of the clients to interact with. This may involve walking, grooming, playing or doing tricks with them. The dogs act as a great therapy tool as they not only boost clients' confidence but help to calm situations as well as playing their part in speech and physio rehabilitation.
The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Felixstowe has been helping homeless and abandoned animals in the region since 1970. The centre finds loving new homes for hundreds of dogs and cats every year and also runs a pet care clinic for the pets of people who can't afford a private vet. The Blue Cross carefully selects suitable dogs for the scheme based on their temperament and sociability. All ages, breeds, shapes and sizes are considered and the scheme has rehomed a Pomeranian through to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Once the dogs are selected and paired with a potential owner, there is roughly an 8 week training period where the dogs are boarded with members of the public. At all times the dogs welfare is monitored by the Brainy Dog Co-Ordinator and staff at the Blue Cross. Once the training period is over the dog is officially adopted by their new owner and another dog leaves the kennels for a new happier life.
The prisoners of Hollesley Bay learn many new skills whilst on the scheme with the aim to reduce reoffending. They not only learn dog training skills but also job related skills. Their time on the scheme is based on a paid job role, starting with an initial interview through to the reference they receive at the end. They are also expected to be punctual, follow the rules and represent the Scheme in a positive way at all times. Many of the guys have been in prison for many years, some as long as 20+, and so the scheme gives them the chance to learn social skills again. It is also a great way for them to give something back to the community and be proud of themselves again.
Brainy Dogs could be in with the chance of appearing on a BBC One show, and we need your vote to help us win!
www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/brainy-dogs
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