The Petspiration Foundation announces two-year partnership with Very Special Kids

The Petspiration Foundation (formally PETstock Assist) has announced its latest long-term partnership with Victorian children’s charity, Very Special Kids.

The two-year partnership will see the sponsorship of the organisation’s therapy dog program and therapy dog, Jaffa, as part of the Foundation’s mission to strengthen the rewarding bond between people and pets.

Very Special Kids’ therapy dog program plays a critical role in providing children and young people with life-limiting conditions the best quality of life possible.

“Therapy dogs, like Jaffa, help to create a relaxed environment in the hospice so children and young people can feel comfortable, settled and supported. She not only provides physical comfort to assist children in regulating their emotions when adapting to new and unfamiliar situations, but her interventions also provide pure joy,” said Very Special Kids Hospice Manager, Kirsty Blair.

Blair added that the new funding from The Petspiration Foundation will allow Jaffa to continue providing much-needed support for children and young people during their palliative care journey.

“Jaffa has also provided much-needed support to the children and families in our care throughout their end-of-life journey,” added Kirsty.

The benefits of Very Special Kids’ therapy dog program extend beyond providing comfort to these children – inspiring moments of happiness and lasting memories – that their siblings, parents, and extended family members can hold onto forever.

The Petspiration Foundation’s Charity and Events Lead, Sherralea Cassidy, says the partnership will fund all resourcing costs to enable ongoing training and placement of the therapy dog, Jaffa, with her very special clients.

“There are so many ways that animals can improve people’s lives and we are proud to be able to support like-minded organisations like Very Special Kids, and recognise the incredible work they have already carried out to make a positive impact on the lives of 850 families across Victoria,” says Sherralea.

“Providing emotional and physical support through pets is extremely powerful, and we know Jaffa, leading the therapy dog program, will be able to help provide even more seriously ill children and their families with the support they need in the future.”

This financial year, the Petspiration Foundation has dispersed more than $600,000 to organisations across the country, including support to Assistance Dogs Australia and Second Chance Animal Rescue. An additional $181,000 has been donated to flood-related charities in 2022 to date.

Related: PETstock Assist donates to pet medical organisation ahead of World Veterinary Day

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.

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