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Small Dog Carriers - Nursing Home Visits

Nursing Home Visits

Therapy work is great fun. We go to a local nursing home to interact with the patients. They really seem to enjoy it. Some of them won't come out of their rooms for anything else.

We put on demonstrations of obedience, agility, and tricks. Some of the residents enjoyed the demos so much they wanted to go to a real dog show. Since there are not any shows held locally, I arranged a show-n-go at the nursing home. It was a success as far as both residents and handlers were concerned.

Shy dogs had many willing hands to gently pet them as they overcame their initial hesitations. Puppies' antics were laughed at by everyone. Seasoned working dogs got new life from the relaxed atmosphere. Elderly residents shared stories of their pets. New handlers practised without nervousness.

When it was all over everyone went back inside to visit with residents that were not physically able to come outside. They too got to pet and enjoy the well mannered dogs as they toured the home.

During the Christmas season Sasha pulls a sleigh through the halls. For Halloween we to the nursing home in the afternoon to trick or treat. I don't think I have ever seen so many smiles. Elderly residents who usually never even grin came out of their rooms laughing. It seems that a silly looking pet dressed in a Halloween costume is more than they can resist.

The menagerie is better than physical therapy when it comes to getting elderly patients to use their arthritic fingers. Everyone wants to hold or pet at least one of the animals. Some people who normally won't leave their rooms come out into the halls or to the rec room when they know we are coming. They want to be able to interact with the crew as long as possible.

It gives them something to think about too. They have no reason to stay mentally active when they see the same faces and walls every day. With the guys and gals though they try very hard to remember names and ages and sexes. They are so proud when they succeed.

The elderly are desparate to pet/hold/cuddle any warm furry thing. I know that the elderly ladies that hold and pet my rat would never have done so when they were younger but now they enjoy him. If any of you get a chance to do pet therapy, I highly recommend it.