On Tuesday 29th July Planned Giving and Bequest Coordinator, Victoria Munro, along with her hound Lily, visited the Eventhorpe Retirement and Rest Home in Hamilton.
Like most things to do with the greyhounds - one is never enough and so to round out the party, Victoria and Lily were joined by local owners Irene with her new boy Syd, and Andrew with Floyd. Whilst the residents enjoyed the human company - it was, as usual, the hounds that were the real stars.
It was particularly heart-warming to learn from the Eventhorpe Activities Coordinator that we had been asked to return for this visit (yes we are becoming a repeat visitor at many places) through some of the longer term residents telling the new arrivals about our previous visit and said it was 'a must'.
Lily, Syd and Floyd started 'their tour' in the communal lounge room where many of the residents were enjoying morning tea. This was greatly enjoyed by the four-legged ones who were hoping for a little morsel, however Lily (very food motivated) was quickly whisked away by Victoria to visit residents who were in their rooms. This really allowed for some wonderful one-on-one time and was very much appreciated by those unable, or even unwilling, to join in with the group activities. Soon Syd and Floyd were also finding their way around the corridors in all the different wings of the home, offering soft ears to listen to stories or even just something to stroke.
These community talks and visits offer an excellent way of promoting the GAP vision and goals as well as providing an opportunity to discuss, when appropriate, larger and/or longer term fundraising efforts as in planned giving and of course, bequests. Having said that, it is also the companionship that the hounds provide during a visit or a talk - however brief - that is truly memorable.
Of course, many in this group are realistic about their ability or inability to adopt, however most would still like to support GAP in some way and are open to hearing about leaving a legacy.
It is important that we never underestimate these interactions. For many residents, old memories are re-lived, faithful pets remembered and for some - just the opportunity to stroke those soft ears was really appreciated - all powerful reminders as to the value of 'pet therapy' and the role that the hounds can play.
Victoria and GAP Waikato receive quite a few speaking requests - everyone from Age Concern, church groups and Probus to community mental health facilities, bowling clubs and the local Lioness club - would like a visit; provided of course that the real stars come too!
(Photo from GAP Archives)
