‘Therapy dogs’ bring sunshine and smiles to elderly
The dogs were very well received by both the residents and staff with everyone wanting to see them again.
A trio of dogs from Dogs in Action accompanied by their handlers, visited Margate Retirement Village recently. The handlers were invited to visit the elderly residing in the frail care facility with their dogs as a form of therapy.
Not only was the experience enjoyed by the humans, but by the dogs as well, it was all wagging tails and sitting for petting for the canines.
The dogs were very well received by both the residents and staff with everyone wanting to see them again.
“It was an honour to be part of bringing joy and smiles to everyone who came into contact with the dogs,” said Yvonne Eland of Dogs in Action, who had her Toy Pomeranian R’Tic, only 10 months old, in tow.
Special thanks were extended to Yvonne Els and Amy, as well as Ellen Nissen and her gentle giant Pablo. Amy and Pablo are rescue dogs.
These dogs are trained and well behaved around people in wheelchairs, or around bedridden patients.
“They are chosen especially for this type of interaction with humans and have to meet a certain standard,” said Yvonne.
The small group were accompanied by Derek Pearson (chairman of the Residents Activities Committee) and Diane Stack (head of the entertainment sub-committee).
Any future visits will include obedience demonstrations and tricks which the dogs have been taught, in order to entertain the residents.
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