Radius Unconditional Furry Friend (RUFF) Program
Radius met their first Facility Support Dog from Lions Foundation of Canada, Dog Guides in July 2021! Leading up to July, Radius staff worked diligently to establish the RUFF (Radius Unconditional Furry Friend) Program. The RUFF Program will offer another way to support our clients in their healing journey, through pets, cuddles, licks, smiles, and most importantly, unconditional, and non-judgemental connection. When not at work, our Facility Support Dog will reside at home with their Primary Handler. It takes a special dog to be a Facility Support Dog, which requires specialized handling from trained handlers. Therefore, our Facility Support Dog will also be cared for by Radius staff when the primary handler is unavailable.
The RUFF Program
Another important consideration in preparing to launch the RUFF Program was creating policies to ensure the integrity of the program is upheld, our Facility Dog is well cared for, and that any unique health and safety concerns are addressed. We owe much gratitude to our community partner, BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, who lent us a helping hand as they have successfully integrated three Facility Support Dogs into their agency. It truly takes a village!
Meet Lexus!
Meet Lexus, a 3-year old black Labrador. Lexus is working hard to settle into her new home and job and will join us at meet-n-greets, participate in therapy sessions when wanted/needed, and most of all provide unconditional love. You can follow Lexus on her journey on Instragam at: @ruff_lexus.
