Shakira delighted with success of free course to reduce fear of dogs
A BUNCH of brave children and teenagers recently completed a course aimed at helping them to overcome their fear of dogs.
Organised by Shakira Murray, the programme provided participants with a safe environment, whilst breaking down and acknowledging their concerns, using both fun-filled and informative sessions.
The Castlewellan woman was thrilled with the community’s response. And even more delighted with the outcomes.
The fear of dogs – a condition known as cynophobia – can paralyse people, so the end results of this free course have been, as she explained, “just super”.
The course, which started in February, saw participants meet once a week with special canine guest visitors and their owners or handlers.
As the course progressed, they also met with highly skilled members of the PSNI’s dog unit, who gave a demonstration, as well as other guests, including Anna Smith, who has played an incredible role rescuing dogs from Turkey, and the Northern Irish charity, Animal Connexions, to promote the importance of rescuing and rehoming.
Shakira is a self-confessed animal lover, who has adopted and lovingly cared for dogs saved from overseas, as well as closer to home.
She said her overarching aim was to help some of those who are crippled with anxiety when they see a dog approach them or, at the least, reduce their worries.
“I am so proud of everyone who took part, and to be able to see their progression and confidence grow over the weeks was very special indeed, to see them help walk a dog on a lead as the weeks progressed was great,” she explained.
Having received photos, after the course ended, of some of the participants out playing and exercising family members’ dogs, Shakira said she was pleased to be able to make the ‘graduates’ lives a little, and in most cases a lot, easier.
She added that she was thrilled to have been able to launch the free course and hopefully enhance life experiences and make things easier for the young participants.