A PAIR of loveable pups have been named after a set of Redditch twins who are well on their way to conquering their fear of dogs.
Being afraid of dogs was affecting daily life for five-year-olds Joe and Riley Wheate-Price from Redditch – with Riley even putting his own safety at risk running into the road to avoid dogs in public.
So when their mum, Emma Wheate-Price heard about Dogs Trust’s ‘Building Confidence Around Dogs’ programme, she got in touch to find out how it could help her sons.
Charlotte Paddock from Dogs Trust Evesham started working with the twins in May and for their sixth and final session they spent the day meeting and greeting some of the dogs, including their canine namesakes, four-month-old Greyhound puppies.
Mum Emma said: “Before we started working with Dogs Trust, Joe and Riley’s fear of dogs was affecting everyday life and Riley in particular was incredibly frightened of them. On several occasions he ran into the road to escape dogs and we couldn’t visit the park anymore due to his fear.
“The help we received has honestly changed our family and means we can now enjoy trips to the park without the constant worry of bumping into a dog. We’re so proud of the boys and the work they’ve put into conquering their fear.”
‘Building Confidence Around Dogs’ is a programme of activities to help children and families manage living with a fear of dogs to ensure everyone can live together safely and happily at home and in the community.
With more than a third (37 per cent) of parents thinking their children are fearful of dogs this fear could be problematic for families when they are out and about.
The canine versions of Joe and Riley are on the lookout for a loving home and anyone interested can call 0300 303 0292 or visit the centre at 89 Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford, Evesham.
Visit http://bit.ly/2uneqxd to find out more about the course.
