Pet therapy truly is magical

Charleswood

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/12/2023 (666 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When my husband and I got a new little puppy this summer, I knew I would want her to accompany me to work in my long-term care facility a couple of days a week.

Luckily, my employer could see the benefit for not only myself but especially the residents and other staff. At first, I was a bit nervous to bring Kailee, as I did not know what the reaction would be. She is a coton de Tulear, a completely different type of dog from Paris, my former soft-coated Wheaten terrier. For one, she is small, also non-shedding but not as reactive to noise, strange sounds, crowds or just being in a different place.

While she doesn’t like it if I am out of her sight for too long, Kailee has adapted to being in my office, where she has creature comforts set up for her. Her interaction with many of the residents, visitors and staff has been priceless and I have found it to be quite touching.

Some residents will just glow, sparkle and even cry with delight when they see Kailee, which is so heartfelt. The staff too, including many nurses, just love to see her and it seems to brighten up their days and make them smile. Working in health care is not easy and I am so glad that Kailee brings them such pleasure.

Kailee makes her rounds throughout the facility, and it is so cute to see her walk around and watch how most everyone, including visitors, engage with her. It also makes our personal care home seem homier.

When Kailee is not on the units with me, we are in my office and many residents will seek her out. My office faces a dining room and Kailee will watch the residents having their meals.They watch her just as much, and some will get up to come and check on her or just say hello. When Kailee is not visiting, the residents will ask me if she is okay and to give her a kiss and a hug for them.

It seems that even though I am the facility dietitian, I have now become the person with the dog,

“Do you have your dog with you?”; “Is your dog in your office?”; “When are you bringing Kailee next?” are common questions, which is wonderful. Many of our residents had pets and it is clearly something that many of them miss. Kailee has been able to rekindle a spark that was lost in certain residents. It is nothing that I am doing, it is purely her and the bond we have with animals.

I truly believe that, where possible, workplaces and especially health-care facilities should incorporate more pet programs. Pets provide familiarity, comfort and joy. Kailee and the residents together are magical.

Happy holidays to everyone!