How Noodle helps people:

Noodle helps people in so many ways. Some people struggle with their emotions and feelings, Some people struggle to cope with situations due to neurodiverse conditions. Others may struggle due to ill health

Noodle enables people to get away from their thoughts both from the past & thinking about the future. Being focused on what is happening around you and enjoying the moment, is mindfulness.

Noodle thinks he is a lap dog

Are you mindful or is your your mind full?

The person has different thoughts, thinking about what has happened, what is going to happen & what could happen. The dog is just looking ahead and seeing the trees, sunshine & open space. The dog is enjoying the present moment & not thinking about anything else.

I can apply this to Noodle's visits with Paws4Minds. Often people we visit, have many worries, pressures & are suffering from stress. The stress they endure, affects their mental health. They often struggle with their emotions & coping with situations that are around them

What often happens is Noodle enters the room, he usually has a little explore, with the permission from those who have organised the visit, tail wagging, ears up, looking happy, relaxed & playful. Straight away I see the reaction and body language of the participants change. You see them starting to be at ease & interested

Noodle encourages interaction, it is usually with a ball in his mouth. When he wants it throwing or rolled, he comes over stands and wags his tail. Other times he will drop the ball near the person & gives them a gentle nudge with his nose. For most people they find this funny, they smile & does what he wants.

If he catches the ball I praise him, he likes to do a little lap of honour, to show how clever & happy he is, I think he knows it makes people laugh & gets him even more attention & reaction.

Other times, he is happy to sit on a chair or sofa. He likes people sitting next to him. Gently rubbing his belly, chest, ears or stroking his head.

Straight away Noodle, has helped to lower people's guard. They don't realise they have done this. Noodle has done this without talking, no questions & without seeking answers. Something us humans struggle to do.

Once people are relaxed, often conversation follows more naturally & freely. Now the staff have a pathway opened, to find ways of communicating & finding out the information they may need

For someone who is struggling & who likes dogs, this is a natural form of therapy. Noodle is not invasive, he wont interfere, ask questions. Noodle forms a bond of trust, love & support. He helps them to feel calm and more relaxed, so they start to feel happy and more at ease and comfortable.

Noodle does not judge people on their thoughts, opinions or feelings. Once he knows & trusts he is happy to interact often in his own fun & loving manner. People end up feeling more relaxed when they stroke, interact & talk to Noodle

Noodle is a gentle, friendly, and a loving boy. He is social and likes the company of people. This is his form of therapy & support, so it becomes a two way support system

Visit: www.paws4minds.co.uk for more information about Noodle & our services.