Therapy Dogs come to Strathmore senior homes

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

When Del Craig moved to Wheatland Lodge, she knew some things had to be left behind and one of the most important things was being a pet owner.
But that was until a volunteer-based organization, Chestermere Therapy Dogs Society gave Craig and other seniors the opportunity to be reunited with pooches once again.
For Craig, a Lab crossed with an Australian Cattle Dog named Nike has restored her sense of ownership.
“When we come into a place like this, we give up our dogs and cats, so having a pet to talk to and pet, it’s fantastic that they do that, said Craig, who owned German Shepherds and Boxers previously.
“Nike is the most impressive and she backs up when you tell her to and lies down and kisses you, a beautiful well-trained dog and you give her a cookie every time.”
The society launched 17 months ago, but only recently began bringing the dogs to the Wheatland Lodge and the Sagewood Seniors facility in Strathmore.
The Visiting Tails program, which sets out to improve a senior’s way of life by strengthening their mental and physical health, is one of three initiatives currently offered by the organization.
Listening Tails is a six-week program that aims to help kids improve their reading skills, while Caring Tails focuses on helping people who have experienced a traumatic event or stress in their lives.
Once Visiting Tails took off in two senior homes in Calgary, Steven King, president of the organization, decided to expand the program into surrounding areas.
“I just approached the facilities there and they were actually delighted to have our dogs come in there and visit with the seniors and all the positive stuff that comes with dog visits with seniors,” said King, a dog trainer himself.
“We’re able to sort of fill that void for them and there’s something about the dog having this amazing ability just to home in what the seniors need.”
Wheatland Lodge activity coordinator, Janice Pedersen, is thrilled to have the therapy dogs come to the facility because she feels it’s a great alternative for the resident to have that positivity around them.
“It’s nice to have friendly critters come and enjoy the visit with them. It is a good therapy and it brings good memories,” said Pedersen.
“It enlightens everyone, especially those that spend more time in the rooms and [are] not very comfortable being out in a public crowd.”
Pedersen added that it is important to have these sessions and is planning to have them more regularly in the future.
For King, the hope is to have all the programs in place in Strathmore in the next year.
The plan would include working with organizations such victim services but according to him, currently there is quite a bit of protocol and police checks.
The Chestermere Therapy Dogs Society is currently looking for more dogs to get involved in the Strathmore area. If interested contact
(587) 581-5571 or visit their website at www.ctds.ca.