Meet BB

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Meet BB

Breed: Flat Coat Retriever

Barking from: Rangiora, Christchurch

What's up, dog?

With her St John Therapy Pet uniform bandana comfortably in place and her 'happy' wagging tail pumping more than enough power to propel her into work mode, she is always ready to be out the door for the next adventure. Being a 4 year old flat coat retriever with 3 years of working experience BB (short for Black Beauty) has no trouble spinning her therapeutic web across the community, bringing joy to everyone she encounters. Whether she is at Christchurch Airport snuggling and cuddling with nervous flyers or at Paediatric Outpatients distracting children who are having IV treatment or blood tests, nothing is too hard for her to deal with. While visiting a Senior Day Centre at Kaiapoi, the guests love to reminisce about their own canine pets while playing with BB's soft ears. Her weekly visits to the Rangiora (and sometimes Amberley) St John paramedics is her happy place, with the crews roughing her up. Often there will be a First Aid class in progress at the station, and the tutors invite her in to hear about her role as a therapy dog, and rest assured BB will give each person therapy in turn, whether they need it or not, never missing anyone out. Another weekly gig for BB is going to school with a 9 year old girl who has anxiety, so BB is a great support to her in class. When the student doctors and polytech students are sitting exams, BB, along with several other St John Therapy dogs will be invited to spend time with them in a relaxed environment. The highlight of BB's career was being on live TV as the Promotion Pooch for the SPCA's 2024 calendar and fundraising in the process. During the summer BB's diary fills up with fundraising for St John at the various A&P shows and fairs, in and around the Canterbury region, such a fun place for a dog to engage with people and convince them to part with the weight of the coins in their pockets. Not only does BB also fundraise for St John during their annual appeal in June, but she also does it for the Heart Foundations, SPCA's and Westpac Helicopter's annual appeals. To ensure BB's schedule runs smoothly she has employed the services of one staff member (unpaid) for grooming, chauffeuring, checking her emails and keeping her diary up to date, walking, play time activities and a lap to crash out on in the evening. BB is one in a million, a dog who never stops. So proud of my girl.

Make a difference. Donate today.

This year, NZTOPDOG is organising a fundraiser. We wanted to give the aroha back to our communities. Every year, our campaign is supported and celebrated by a variety of incredible charities across Aotearoa, all of whom mahi tirelessly to make a positive impact for dogs in their respective communities.

All money (100%) will go to NZ mental health and dog-related charities.