Imagine having a dog most of your life, and now you not only had to move out of your family home but you no longer have canine companionship. Shoot, even if you didn't have a dog but your neighbor did. For years, you had a dog or cat that you played with, or maybe took care of when they were out of town.
I love these stories because whether these are trained therapy animals, or just a happy & tall Shepherd-Husky who loves people, pet visits can have a profound impact on the elderly.
via www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com
Whether you’re a two- or four-legged visitor, you’re welcome at Lexington Court Care Center.
“I have a lady who brings in her dog every Wednesday,” said activities director Brenda Workman. “The residents love it, even the ones who aren’t really awake. They know to pet them."
“I honestly can’t imagine not letting them come. When you get older, animals are very important to people, and the animals are very receptive to it, too. We love to see animals come in.”
Dr. Abel Hittinger, of Appleseed Valley Veterinary Hospitals in Lexington and Bellville, said pets restore a home value for those in nursing care facilities.
“I’m big on the human-pet bond,” he said. “The way I see it, pets are members of the family, so when pets come to visit, it’s like there’s a member of the family visiting more. It helps decrease the feelings of loneliness and stress sometimes associated with nursing care facilities.”
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