The power of pets – Doggie Dates bring joy to our Activity Centres

Canine magic filled our Centres with smiles, wags and sheer joy.

Our Activity Centres lit up with loving eyes, wagging tails and uninhibited laughs as Doggie Dates paid a joyful pet-therapy visit, bringing comfort, connection and pure happiness with them.

Why do dog visits matter?

For many, these visits are more than just a fun activity - they’re a meaningful source of comfort, companionship and emotional wellbeing. Doggie Dates NSW brings a sense of calm and joy that stays with clients long after the session ends.

Raymond Terrace Activity Centre Coordinator Kate shared: “Doggie Dates is always a wonderful day as it supports emotional wellbeing, social interaction and even physical health in our clients. Petting or interacting with a dog can lower stress hormones and increase feel‑good chemicals, and in turn this can help reduce anxiety, sadness and agitation.”

Gosford Activity Centre Coordinator Jane echoed these words, especially for clients living with dementia: “Doggie Dates visits are important for our dementia-specific clients because they bring comfort, joy and emotional connection. Many of our clients are unable to care for animals at this stage of their life and miss out on these feelings," Jane said.

"These visits bring back memories of earlier days and open up those special moments. They create a sense of calm, comfort and connection that stays with clients long after the dogs have left."

The power of pet therapy for all to see and experience

Every Doggie Dates visit brings its own special memories, but one moment stood out during the latest session.

“Doggie Dates always triggers memories of past pets or life experiences," Kate said. "Our wonderful Bob trained German Shepherds and has won many awards for doing so. My favourite memory from this Doggie Dates visit was seeing the smile on Bob’s face as he talked about his awards. I've encouraged him to bring them in to share with the group,” Kate said.

At Gosford, Jane highlighted the impact of these visits on two long‑time animal lovers. “My favourite moment is of couple Kevin and Elizabeth, who are 96 and 91. They’ve grown up with animals all their lives but can no longer care for a pet at home. The genuine look of love they show the animals is so heartwarming," Jane said. "They even take photos on their phone to share with their daughter.”

Moments like these highlight the deep emotional resonance pet therapy can have, unlocking memories, pride, identity and connection.

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The lasting impact of a Doggie Dates visit

The joy doesn’t end when the dogs leave. Clients continue talking about the visit throughout the day, sharing stories, recalling favourite dogs and planning for the next visit.

Jane sees this often: “Our clients continue to tell stories of their beloved past pets and discuss the visiting animals, always asking when they are coming back.”

These lasting conversations reflect the emotional impact of the experience and the sense of community it builds.

The Doggie Dates visits bring warmth, companionship and meaningful moments to our Activity Centre. We’re grateful for their ongoing partnership and the joy they bring to our clients through the power of pet therapy.

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Who are Doggie Dates?

Doggie Dates are a dedicated pet therapy organisation providing uplifting and meaningful interactions through their friendly well‑trained dogs. Their mission is to reduce loneliness, improve mental health and strengthen social connection across the Central Coast and Newcastle in NSW. Their work includes:

• Visiting aged-care centres, hospitals, schools and workplaces.
• Providing emotional support through calm and friendly therapy dogs.
• Encouraging social interaction and conversation.
• Supporting mental health and reducing stress.
• Creating joyful and memorable experiences for people of all ages.

Each therapy dog is carefully selected for their temperament, cleanliness and friendliness, to ensure safe and positive interactions for everyone they meet.

Doggie Dates recently became a registered charity – a milestone that has been warmly celebrated.

As Activity Centre Team Leader Rachelle said: "It is absolutely wonderful to hear that Doggie Dates is now a charity. I hope this is a very well‑deserved recognition for the incredible amount of effort, energy and love they have poured into this program.”

"It certainly reflects the heart, dedication and community impact behind Doggie Dates NSW, and the volunteers who make each visit possible. Thank you for all you do, Doggie Dates team," Rachelle said.