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Richard Hall
and Leoni, an Australian Labradoodle, enjoy
each other's company. (Photo by Kristen
Armstrong) |
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Arlington
Program
Brings
Pet
Therapy
to
Seniors
by
KRISTEN
ARMSTRONG,
Staff
Writer
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A cuddly canine can bring joy to
people of all ages, but can be particularly
beneficial to seniors.
At a recent event at the Walter Reed Community
Center, public health nurse Diane Hendel showed how
pets can raise seniors' spirits through cuddling and
playing, while also helping them stay active and
engaged.
“Sometimes, people will respond better to pets than
people,” Hendel said. “Pets don't ask for much, and
they give a lot of love and attention.”
Hendel has seen cases of patients who were severely
depressed and wouldn't interact with any people, but
opened up once they spent time with a pet.
Interacting with a pet can be a lot more comfortable
than interacting with people, she said.
Hendel has two dogs, P.D. (Puppy Dog) and Leoni,
that she brings to the Madison Adult Day Health Care
Center on a regular basis to boost the morale and
physical health of participants.
P.D., a yellow Labrador Retriever, is a senior
himself (in dog years) at the ripe old age of 14. He
is a retired guide dog and in his younger years
could respond to 56 commands, pull a wheelchair,
turn lights out and perform numerous other helpful
tasks.
These days, P.D. takes it easy and spends time at
Madison. He is trained to walk around a room and
spend time with each person there. He is tall enough
that people who are seated do not have to stoop down
to give him a hug.
“Being able to cuddle with a dog is very
reassuring,” Hendel said.
Leoni is an 11-month-old Australian Labradoodle, who
was bred for temperament, strength, intelligence and
non-shedding. She is still a puppy and currently is
training to be a guide dog. Since she is younger
than P.D., she is more active with seniors, playing
fetch with a tennis ball and performing tricks.
“I use the dogs as encouragement to get seniors
moving and to help them work their muscles,” Hendel
said. “Sometimes brushing dogs or throwing a ball
can be good exercise.”
Hendel understands that as people get older, taking
care of pets can become more difficult, which is why
she offers pet interaction at the adult health care
center.
But for those who don't attend the center or have
easy access to a pet, the Madison Community Center
dog park is a great place to watch pups at play. |
