Matt is a kind and caring gentleman who lives in a residential community living home in Nelson with NZCL, where he shares his space with four other flatmates. He brings joy to everyone who has the pleasure of working with him.
One of Matt’s favourite weekly activities is spending time with a dog named Belle and her owner, through Canine Friends Pet Therapy. Matt is autistic and has formed a special bond with Belle.
Spending time with our furry friends is renowned for many benefits, like better moods, reduced stress, and wholesome social stimulation.
For the past two years, Belle has visits with Matt for walks, talks and pats. He especially enjoys their long walks together, which not only bring him happiness but also contribute positively to his overall well-being.
It’s a regular activity he absolutely loves, which is no surprise given dogs’ long-standing reputation as “man’s best friend”.
Run entirely by volunteers, Canine Friends Pet Therapy is a nation-wide network of people who share their friendly and well-behaved dogs with others in the community.
As not everyone is able to care for a dog full-time, pet therapy lets more people enjoy their company in a safe and positive way. The dogs love being patted, hugged and talked to, and the volunteer dog owners tell us they love seeing people’s faces light up as they are transported through the touch of a furry coat.
Matt’s regular dog walks bring him great joy and are one of his favourite things to do.
NZCL is dedicated to enabling disabled people to live good lives, with the support of a range of community living services. For more information about how NZCL can support you or a loved one, visit our full list of services.
