Cape Town - The word “therapy” often carries a negative connotation for people.
It brings to mind a person sitting on a couch crying and expressing their deepest problems while a therapist sits scribbling notes.
But not all therapy has to be that way, and the Domestic Animal Rescue Group (Darg) in Cape Town is dedicated to changing the stereotype. It is called puppy therapy, and brings child-like grins to even the most professional adults.
On Tuesday, the Cape Argus visited Open Box Software in Tokai. The progressive company schedules “perks” every other week to allow the 140 employees to join one another and destress from the high intensity of software development.
In the past, Open Box has brought in masseuses, baristas and others for these perks.
But recently, it has been all about animals. Two weeks ago it was kittens and Wednesday was “puppy therapy day”.
Cicely Blumberg, the founder of Darg’s Adopt-A-Pet centre, and volunteer Asakhele Koyana brought five puppies to the company’s office, all under six months.
Once their crates were opened, they went running around the room – chasing one another, nibbling on couch corners and climbing all over seated Open Box staff.
The company’s founder, Malcolm Hall, said he has always looked for ways to engage his team since starting the company in 2001. “We’re creating an environment to attract and retain good people, so I’m always asking my team what activities or amenities they like, and everyone likes puppies,” he said as a pup tugged on his shoelace.
Over four hours, employees roamed in and out of the office’s amphitheatre/bar space.
Many who rushed past the glass doors stopped in their tracks at the sight of the puppies.
Open Box and Adopt-A-Pet have caught on to a trend that is spreading world-wide: businesses and universities partnering with pet adoption centres or shelters.
Many studies have found that interaction with animals not only reduces stress, but also blood pressure and anxiety or depression. Playing with pets has also been found to raise serotonin levels in the brain, literally making people happier.
Adopt-A-Pet is much more than the no-kill shelter it was intended to be when Blumberg founded it five years ago.
“It’s not just about saving dogs and cats,” she said. “It’s about sensitising people.”
The organisation also works with Cape Town schools and villages to teach youth the value of life and “soften the hearts of people from even the toughest parts of town”, Blumberg said.
But with nearly 400 cats and dogs and little outside funding, adoption is crucial to the shelter’s success. Events like the one at Open Box make that possible.
Lee Halliday, director of Open Box’stalent acquisition and employee engagement, said that two employees adopted kittens at the last event. “Having these adorable animals here not only lifts spirits, but potentially gives them homes.”
One employee brought his son in, who insisted they adopt the mixed-breed terrier which he refused to let out of his arms. While he is still working to convince his dad, one employee did decide to adopt a puppy for her son.
Based on the number of giggles, “awes”, permanent smiles and selfies taken with puppies, it is safe to say the therapy session made employees happier. It may even result in a new-found home for a couple of other lucky pups.
Cape Argus