By Jodie Symonds
MOUNT Evelyn’s Jim Humphrey is unable to walk his dog, and is in need of a volunteer.
Mr Humphrey has been a member of the Pet Companion, a Bridges Connecting Communities program for many years.
The program is aimed at gathering volunteers to help take care of pets for those who struggle to look after them for reasons including disability and age.
Mr Humphrey is in need of help of someone to walk his and his West Highland terrier cross, Mali.
“First of all, (having a volunteer) would bring Mali’s weight down, and it would make her a bit more lively,” Mr Humphrey said.
“I can’t take her for walks anymore.
“It would also give me another person to talk to.”
Pet Companion co-ordinator Leonie Boyle said the program currently had 25 volunteers across the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, but they were in need of more.
“People like Jim need someone to walk their dog as many times as the volunteer is available,” Ms Boyle said.
“There’s a good social aspect to it as well – and a level of social support given to our clients who receive the help.
“Jim’s a very interesting person, and he would be a really good person to sit down and have a chat to.”
She said anyone who was interested in participating would need to fill out an application form, a police check would be conducted, reference checks obtained and an induction held.
“We match the volunteers to the clients by considering both their needs,” Ms Boyle said.
“The volunteer might have mentioned they only want to walk a little dog, or a fit and active dog and we try to find suitable matches.
For more information, visit bridgescc.com.au/pets
