PETPOSITIVE NEEDS YOUR DOG AND YOU!

A PETPOSITIVE SPECIAL APPEAL:

Do you love animals?

Have you got a very friendly dog as a pet who loves people?

Do you like to work and get to know disabled persons?

If your answer is YES to all three questions - and you happen to live in Penang - it's virtually a done deal then!

The Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy For The Disabled And Elderly Association (PETPOSITIVE) needs YOUR HELP!

We have a male blind member who lives in the area of Bagan Jermal in the island who would very much like to interact with dogs.

Unfortunately, the chap can't. That's because he practically has no access to canines.

"I work daily from 9am until 5pm and am dying for the opportunity to be able to befriend canines during my free time," the 29-year old who has been blind from birth tells PETPOSITIVE.

"And on weekends, I am more free," he adds, saying that his personal love affair with dogs started since he was four years old.

The last time he had any contact with canines was in 1995. That was just before his family were forced to give up their pet dogs to the Penang SPCA. Circumstances were such that they were unable to look after them.

"I am not able to keep pets where I currently stay because of the strict policy of the building that doesn't allow animals in the building.

"But I would be more than thrilled to be given the opportunity to take someone's dog for a walk or even give their pets a bath and have some kind of a regular pet- related activity with them."

Our blind friend would love to participate in anything that brings him into direct contact with animals or carry a pet theme.

This can include volunteering at the Penang SPCA (but he needs someone to take him there), attend dog shows, accompany pets to the beach or simply even visit a pet shop, veterinary clinic or pet book shop.

Of course, reading print in the latter would be a problem.

Our member is a very easy to get along with and is extremely polite in nature. He, however, does admit that he sometimes lacks confidence and can be shy initially with new encounters.

"I also feel lonely at times and hope that my pet involvement will also help me to make friends with sighted people so that I can occasionally go out with them and do the fun things that they do in order to have a good time."

So friends, if you think you have what it takes to answer the call of this gentleman, please write to us immediately.

Our contact is petpositive@yahoo.com or petpositive@gmail.com

You can also get in touch with us by SMS or call us (aNt) at +6-012-220 3146.

When you do, please furnish us with relevant details. These include information about yourself, your love for pets, your experience (if any) with disabled people and more.

Also tell us more about your pet dog, his temperament, how is he or she is when around people, etc. Please also include a photograph of your pet or SMS it to us.

Please refrain from applying if your pet displays any sign of aggressiveness or is reserved by nature.

We will answer every email.

Those whose pets are selected for this animal-friendship programme will go on to be one of PETPOSITIVE'S very first PET+PALS for the disabled and the elderly.

Please note that participation in our programme is completely voluntary.

The name and full identity of our blind member has been withheld from this post for reasons of confidentiality. His full details will be revealed to the successful volunteer and his pet.

We look forward to hearing from you soon. Kindly send this message out to anyone and everyone whom you think might be able to answer our call for help.

Thank you for helping us,

Anthony Thanasayan
President
PETPOSITIVE