The TOUCH of a FURRY COAT
Last Sunday, I met with Suzanne, Kevin and June (their dog) at The Hut Cafe, Rangitahi, Raglan. The weather was glorious with the local community of adults, children and a few dogs enjoying each other’s company. Sitting together I asked Suzanne about why she took their dog (a bearded Collie/working farm dog) into Waikeria Prison. She replied, “I believe in the power of kindness.” Suzanne had previously worked with her dogs in Hospices in Auckland and the Auckland Cancer Society. When they moved to Raglan, she volunteered at The Community House, Raglan Rest Home and Hospital and at Waikato University, Hamilton. At all these sites her dog and other dogs brought healing, empathy, compassion and a calming presence. Currently, with her prison work June has to follow the rule of not wearing gang coloured scarves. Suzanne posed the question, “How can these men experience change if they never see a different perspective on things?” In a grassed area they throw a ball to each o...