Pets bring comfort, companionship to retirement home residents

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Pets bring comfort, companionship to retirement home residents
By KYLE LOWRY - Tribune Staff Writer

http://www.news-tribune.net/articles/2005/09/28/news/new_albany_tribune/news09.txt

Clell Hooker, a Providence Retirement Home (PRH) resident, is looking happy and healthy today and it's due, in part, to a special relationship he formed while in the home's care.

With a playful personality, soft black and white fur and big, deep eyes, it's easy to see why Hooker has become intrigued with Harley. Nearly every day, Hooker treats his friend to an ice cream, which is a favorite treat of the two companions.

It seems Hooker has fallen head over heels for Harley, a Shitzu and one of PRH's resident pets.

"He's just like a little baby," Hooker said.

In addition to Harley, a Beagle named Sadie, two cats, Calvin and Lucky and host of fish and birds are also full-time members of the PRH family.

"A lot of people are happy to have the cats and dogs here," Hooker said.

"He's such a cute little thing," said PRH resident Virginia Branam.

"We all want to pet him," added Rovie Zeigler, another resident.

Since introducing pet therapy, and in particular dogs, into the facility, staff at the retirement home have noticed an improvement in residents attitudes and well-being.

"It gets people out of their rooms and into an activity. They'll reach to pet the dog and the physical activity is the top benefit," said Joy Duguid, a PRH employee and chair of the Wag-a-Thon. "One thing we've noticed with Alzheimer's patients is they tend to pace and wander a lot if there's pets around it calms them."

Duguid said that pets can help patients be less fussy and more receptive to care and their presence lowers blood pressure.

In an effort to spread awareness about the benefits of pet therapy and raise money for their own in-house program, PRH is hosting their first Wag-a-Thon fundraiser Saturday, which will include a raffle, entertainment, refreshments and vendor booths featuring pet associations, veterinarians, dog suppliers and additional information on using pets as therapy tools. A highlight of the event are the dog contests.

Dogs can compete in such categories as the pet trick showdown, pet/owner look-a-like, costume contest, smallest, largest, oldest, cutest and most adorably ugly pet. All contests will be judged by PRH residents.

"It's something new and we're glad to help out," said Hooker, who along with Branam and Zeigler, will be one of the contests' judges.

A DVD player, a digital camera and MP3 player, as well as grooming gift certificates, a pet spa basket, gift certificates and day at a Churchill Downs private box will be given away as prizes.

Also, a very special member of the local pet therapy community, Spirit, a Golden Retriever, will be given a lifetime achievement award for his work during the last seven years with children and others.

Spirit's owner Cynthia Schultz of New Albany said, "People don't realize how important pet therapy work is. It opens people up and touches them in so many ways. Whether Spirit is visiting the elderly or the young, when they see him they connect. It's a way to lift spirits."

To register or receive more information on the PRH Wag-a-Thon fundraiser contact Duguid at 945-5221.

All proceeds from the Wag-a-Thon will benefit the residents of PRH and the facility's pet therapy program.

Contact the writer at klowry@news-tribune.net.

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