Dogs Join the Fun at Walfinch Hampstead Activity Club
Daniela Miteva, Director at Walfinch home care Hampstead and Camden, says: “At our Time to Thrive seated mobility classes, a few regular attendees bring along their dogs, and they’ve become a much-loved part of the sessions.”
Dog owners Sarah and Kate usually attend either the Tuesday class in Hampstead Garden Suburb or the Wednesday class for U3A members, and their dogs come too. The classes offer chair exercise led by a professional, with refreshments and time to chat after. They are open to all and free of charge.
Sarah and Poppy
Dog owners Sarah and Kate usually attend either the Tuesday class in Hampstead Garden Suburb or the Wednesday class for U3A members, and their dogs come too. The classes offer chair exercise led by a professional, with refreshments and time to chat after. They are open to all and free of charge.
Sarah and Poppy
Sarah brings her Cockapoo Poppy, but as Sarah is also a local dog walker, she often arrives in summer with a group of dogs - at one point, four. Sarah says: “Now it's colder and muddier, I usually brings just Poppy. She's relaxed, gentle, and feels happiest in the company of humans and other dogs.”
Kate and Barney join in
Kate attends with Border Terrier Barney, and her Terries mix, also called Poppy. Kate says: “They both enjoy the attention of other class members, and often seem keen to join in, especially Barney, who likes stretching alongside us or lying in the middle of the room watching the class with mild curiosity, as if wondering what on earth we’re all doing.
“My Poppy is a bit of an attention seeker and loves hugs; during tea time she often jumps up on a chair as if she’s joining in the conversation.”
The best behaved dog in the world?
Occasionally, Mary attends with her Border Collie Sam. Daniela says: “Sam is quite possibly the most well-behaved dog in the world. Even when not on a lead, he stays completely still until told otherwise. You can see in his eyes just how serious and intelligent he is. After the class, however, he transforms, happily chasing a ball in the outside green space for hours.”
For both Sarah and Kate, being able to bring their dogs makes a huge difference. Daniels says: “They usually take their dogs for long walks in the morning, and on class days it would be quite difficult to walk the dogs, return home, leave them, and then come back out again for our Thrive Club mobility session. Bringing the dogs to our class means they’re able to attend regularly.”
Benefits for dogs and people
Daniela says: “The dogs enjoy longer walks, time outdoors, and valuable social interaction. After each class, we invite everyone to stay for tea and coffee, and this is when the dogs really come into their own, getting lots of attention, gentle fuss, cuddles, and the occasional hug.”
Research has shown that petting and talking to dogs are accompanied by lower blood pressure and heart rates, while interacting with pets encourages conversation.
Safety
Daniela says: “If attendees are initially uneasy around dogs, we ensure that they remain on their leads. Over time, people become familiar with them and any anxiety usually fades.”
For safety reasons, the dogs are kept away from the main exercise area during exercises to avoid any trip risks, but they are free to move around before and after the session.
Steve Elliott, Walfinch Hampstead and Camden Managing Director, adds: “The dogs have never caused any issues. Overall, their presence adds warmth, personality, and a lovely sense of companionship to the classes. They’ve become very much part of our Walfinch Time to Thrive community.”
