Shetland Sheepdog, Archie is known for being absolutely adorable and he will also be one of 14 new therapy dogs in Port Macquarie.
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Dog owners and their pooches completed their entry level training for the W.A.G.S The Dog Program at Stuart Park on November 29.
The program was offered to local residents over the age of 25, through a collaboration with Headspace Port Macquarie.
W.A.G.S assessor and trainer Penny Lamaro said there had been a number of applicants for the training in Port Macquarie.
"They have been assessed as therapy dogs suitable to work in therapeutic situations such as a counselling room, an aged care home or disability centre," she said.
"They need to have strong resilience, be confident and love the idea of meeting people.
"All of the dogs that are here now will be certified as 14 new dogs in Port Macquarie for use in therapeutic situations.
"It's a lot but it's not as many as are needed. They can be used in hospitals, schools, youth centres, day care centres, aged care residences and disability workshops.
Potential handlers will complete their own training to facilitate therapy sessions unassisted.
Port Macquarie resident Jenna Gledhill who enrolled in the training with two-year-old Archie, said she thinks he will be a great therapy dog.
"I thought because he brings a lot of joy to my life, he would be good to share with other people," she said.
"He's a super happy dog, so I thought he would be good at doing it.
"Comforting children and teenagers would be good because he might be a bit too high energy for older people.
"I'm hoping it will help him grow as well because he is still trying to figure out who he is in the dog world."
Therapy dogs have been trialed at aged care facilities with the Port Macquarie Dachshund Group, earlier this year in Port Macquarie.
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