Hong Kong animal therapy group to honour 8 dogs
Date: 09-Sep-02
Country: CHINA
The group says studies have shown that close proximity to animals such as cats and dogs can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Eight dogs, accompanied by their handlers and owners, will be presented with trophies at a ceremony on Sunday, said Anneleise Smillie of Animals Asia Foundation.
Most of them are part of a therapy programme known as Animals Asia Dr Dog, which has a 300-strong canine force that has made regular visits to hospitals, orphanages, schools, centres for the disabled and geriatric homes since 1991.
Among those honoured would be Ocha, a 10-year-old pekingese which lost her sight in an accident several years ago but which has turned out to be a favourite with blind children.
A two-year-old golden retriever called Jungle will be singled out for the inspiration he gave his cancer-stricken owner.
The owner was diagnosed with lung cancer and given six months to live, but her love for Jungle made her cling on to life for two-and-a-half years before succumbing to the disease in May, Smillie said.
Three are police dogs. One captured over 100 criminals and another found 60 grams of heroin on someone arriving at a border check point.
