Pass rate rises

Wu said a dog has to be at least 1 year old to be accepted for therapy training, as the animals must be in good shape physically and mentally.

The proportion of dogs passing the tests they are set has risen from 1 percent initially to between 10 and 20 percent, thanks to their owners paying increasing attention to educating their pets about daily life.

However, there are some difficulties. For example, many dogs refuse to sit, but they need to keep low and still, especially when children want to touch them. Some dogs are also sensitive and will retreat when they see people in wheelchairs or with crutches, Wu said.

"There's no limit for age, gender and species. The dog doesn't have to be extra smart, but it must be extremely stable emotionally," Wu said, adding that the owner must be 18 or older and have had the animal for at least six months.

Some dogs are as old as 10 when they are accepted for therapy work. Their owners hope that in the time left for their pets, they will help others.

Problem-solving

Jin, who owns Biubiu, started raising dogs in the 1980s. She said her pet is the best-behaved and most cooperative dog she has owned.

She did not send the dogs she raised from puppies to be trained as therapy dogs, as they were not as soft-tempered as Biubiu.

"I used to hide myself in a crowd, never daring to speak in front of others. But this dog changed my life, and I want people to see that stray dogs can play a role in society. This may work as a way to solve the problem of strays," Jin said.

About one-third of the 50 or so therapy dogs in Shanghai were adopted by their owners, many of whom share Jin's thoughts.

Stephanie Chan, who comes from Hong Kong and owns Momo, the white samoyed, who is 10, said she chose to take part in the voluntary work to show people that dogs can do valuable work.

"I don't think the dogs feel stressed when they work. In addition to the treats they are given, they like to hang out with their owners and be hugged by people. They are happy if they can sense they are liked by others," Chan said, who added that Momo is good-natured and not easily upset.