Sock dog "Various company"

Pestrouš is the mascot of the non-profit organisation PESTRÁ. By purchasing its sock doppelgänger, you contribute to the training of assistance dogs for children and adults with various disabilities. The nationwide charity campaign 'Sock Pestrouš' has already involved over 70 primary schools from all regions of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and more than 3,000 children and volunteers. Importantly, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Sock Pestrouš toys go to support the training of assistance dogs.

Pestrá, o.p.s.

Since PESTRÁ was founded in 2009, its goal has not only been to train assistance dogs in a natural home environment, but also to enrich and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. That is why Pestrá is diverse in its activities. It not only works on dog training, but also offers occupational therapy and the lending of compensatory aids as part of its registered social services. The most frequent clients are children, whose canine partner can, for example, help them with self-care, warm their limbs to relieve pain during canistherapy, develop fine and gross motor skills, or help break down communication barriers with other people.

Natural, Kennel-Free Training

PESTRÁ prides itself on an individual approach to each client. A key part of this is kennel-free training, for which it was the first organisation in the Czech Republic to receive international accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a global authority in the field of assistance dog training and quality standards. Even as puppies, the dogs are raised for subsequent training as assistance dogs by volunteers in a home environment. Socialisation is important during this period. When the dog moves from rearing to training, it then lives and learns in the trainers' home environment. This ensures that the dogs are truly socialised and prepared for everyday life and situations.

More about the 'Sock Pestrouš' campaign here.