We have all heard that pets can help seniors stay happy and healthy.
The list of benefits is both anecdotally and, according to research, quite long. These benefits include reducing loneliness, boosting mood, increasing socialization, relaxation, and happiness. We have heard of many senior facilities with a contingent of interesting “therapeutic animal visitors” or “Furry Tails teams.” Some of the visitors are certified therapeutic canines. Other facilities have a potpourri of animal residents — including hens, parrots, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, cats, miniature horses, fancy donkeys, and guinea pigs.
We have even heard of a nursing home with a resident lamb who plies the hallways looking for treats with his giant Maine Coon Cat buddy. Here at the Home, while we have a no-pet policy and no exotic pets to speak of, we occasionally have a visiting dog or two.
Our Guests at the Home report a long history of dog ownership themselves—Newfoundland, Poodle, Shepard, Doberman, Golden Retriever and a few loving mutts. These two, pictured below, are Cassie the sheltie and Rex the border collie visiting with some of our Guests.
The Home welcomes volunteers who would like to bring therapeutic pets to visit. Please contact us here if you are interested in this opportunity to serve our residents.