Ray Bates

Therapy Dogs sponsored by fans of C.A.F.C. working with Down Syndrome, Autism, Dementia, Reading dogs St George’s school, ME12 . *Known as TCE on CL forum*

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

@Cafc_Rob @RichSCawley

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

As we approach our 15th year using our #Germanshepherds as #Therapydogs and our 12th as #Readingdogs in St George’s school. We’ve decided that Bowyer will be our last dog and I’ll retire somewhat belatedly at hopefully around Bow’s 10th birthday making me almost 75 😳 #volunteer

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

Have a great St George’s day, we will.
#StGeorgesschool #Therapydogs #Germanshepherds

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

Training is training, no matter who does it.
As long as the methods/commands are the same.
If the dog doesn’t understand, maybe you’re not explaining it very well.
Keep it simple.
#workingwithchildren #Therapydogs #Germanshepherds

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

5 years ago, we were told “non essential visitors were no longer allowed in school” we had a 10 wk old puppy to train to work with children/vulnerable adults with none of the above available. 5 years on & qualified he’s now doing this 🙏
#Therapydog #Germanshepherd

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

A true privilege to work with these little people, in 2011 we qualified a #Therapydog little did we know then we’d still be doing it in 2025. The media only continues to portray the #Germanshepherd in a negative ways, maybe look at the other end of the lead #ownersbehavingbadly

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

No one like intruders in school especially our #Therapydogs, this has been their playground since they were pups, only children can share it. Strictly no crows! 😂💪 #Germanshepherd #Dayoff

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

Bow met his match with this lady ❤️
#Dementia #Therapydogs #Germanshepherds

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

We’re off to visit a new care home this morning, they want more regular visits than we can offer with our #Therapydogs workload so if anyone in the Sittingbourne area can help with a qualified dog please get in touch #Dementia #Germanshepherd

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

Met two lovely ladies in the school reception, in the the same profession as @Suzysue8 I later found out. 👍
The child they were visiting came charging out through the doors, ignoring every adult in the room and sat with Bowyer and gave him a fuss ❤️
#Therapydog #Germanshepherd

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

@cazessex Needed to get my head straight after all that went on.
Not sure I’ll stay long, it’s sure changed on here.
But thank you 🙏

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

Four years ago I saw a non verbal, no eye contact young man at school. Yesterday, he waved and called my name, never underestimate the use of #Therapydogs in schools. 2011 we started this journey and they are still #makingadifferance #Germanshepherd

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

We first met this lovely lady during the lockdown, although isolated she used to stand at her door wishing a good morning to passers by including a very young Bowyer. Now very close pals Bow looks forward to the warmer weather for his cuddles as does she ❤️ #Therapydog

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

@glendowdall Thank you, considering he was trained through the lockdown he’s an amazing Therapy dog.

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

Those that asked… It’s been a long time since we/he’s been at The Valley (Portsmouth last year) and he’s grown a bit and now mature. Still busy working with children of all ages and abilities at school Bowyer will continue until we can continue no more.
#Therapydog #Readingdog

[Louis Mendez @LouisMend]

(Partially) floodlight football at the home of football this evening

#cafc

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

From non verbal/no eye contact to high fives and hugs in four years.
Never underestimate the power of a #Therapydog working with children.
#autismawareness
#Germanshepherd

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

@ToolstationUK ordered 7 x 5lts of fence paint only 6 were left by Evri, contactless delivery. (see photo 1) contacted them who sent proof of delivery (photo two) 🤷‍♂️It would be amusing if you/I wasn’t paying for that service

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

@Ali_Sampson90 @DarrenNew2 @CAFCofficial Also “from the clubs position “ suggests you work/worked at the club or are known to some of staff/former staff because as far as I’m aware the club has never publicly acknowledged the incidents.

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

Oh dear, when will this club get things right?Quick to respond to social media when it suits Mr Rodwell #staffbullying Supporting all ages, colours and religions and genders, I’m standing with @DarrenNew2 @CAFCofficial

[Ray Bates @RayBates57]

@Ali_Sampson90 @DarrenNew2 @CAFCofficial Hi, my reference to #Bullying was to remind Mr Rodwell of our email conversation on that subject several months back.
He suggested that without those stepping forward that had been subjected to such treatment (despite those that had) what I reported to him was just hearsay.