Leonard Stanley WI with ‘Dogs for Good’

WE WERE fortunate to have two delightful (four-legged) visitors at our April meeting.

Oslo and Ruby, lovely black Labradors, had accompanied our speakers as both are to train under the ‘Dogs for Good’ scheme.

This organisation has been operating for 30 years and aims to train dogs as helpers and companions for both adults and children with physical and mental disabilities.

We heard heart-warming stories, illustrated by short films, of how the dogs have transformed lives, by providing practical help, boosting confidence, breaking down isolation and giving unconditional affection.

In preparation for their work the dogs spend time with volunteers to socialise them, then at 16 weeks old they begin their formal training which lasts 20 weeks.

Needless to say all this costs a lot of money (£13,000) and demand is high.

This is where volunteers are invaluable.

Not only do they socialise the dogs but they also help to raise funds, and that is where the speakers’ fee would be going.

During the meeting plans were finalised for the outing to Herefordshire, for the pub lunch on April 17 and for our stalls at the annual plant sale.

A short account of the Annual Council meeting was given and a popular vote decided the winner of the competition for a spring flower table decoration.

This was deservedly won by Chris Phillips with a very pretty arrangement of flowers picked in the village that morning,.

At our next meeting on Monday, May 14, we will discuss the resolution to be debated at the AGM in June, and then hear about the work of the Stroud Valleys Project.

We kick off at 2.15pm and visitors are always welcome,