Walter the goldendoodle is like Norm on the old TV show “Cheers.” When he walks into Alden North Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, everyone knows, and often calls, his name.
Many nursing homes have embraced therapy dogs, as they see the positive impact on residents. A recent report indicates more senior living facilities are letting residents move in with their pets.
Around 95% of residents at Alden are there for short-stay rehabilitation, which can be emotionally and physically grueling. But they light up when Walter, a therapy dog escorted by Home Instead Senior Care's Michael Melinger, walks into the room.
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