Visiting Dogs In a Nursing Home

This is not a story between me and my dog. I witness this in Windermer Nursing Home in Vancouver BC where I worked as a nurse aid and I just want to share it.

My schedule does not permit me to have a dog yet but I am a big dog lover. I really liked Wednesday because three dogs came to visit every.I loved watching the reactions of the residents and how the dogs were able to get a smile out of th grumpiest one.  They would do their usual round around the living room and TV room. Patients would pet them, talk to them and play with them. The dogs knew somehow who needed their attention, who wanted to play and who to stay away from

That particular afternoon, a new woman had been admitted. Her name was Claire. Quite agitated she was clearly not happy to be there and had been sitting since morning on one of the couch beside the reception desk.

Sonia, the smallest of the visitor dog, came and sat beside her. At first the woman paid no attention to her. Sonia put her head on her knee. The woman started talking to her. The dog looked like she was listening very patiently and came closer. The conversation went on for a while. What was said? I do not know. But it was clearly a dialogue  between the two. Then Claire fell asleep. So did Sonia all curled up at Claire’s feet.  An hour pass and Claire woke up with a smile on her face. She took the dog’s face in her hands and kissed her on the nose.  She went on trotting to the dining room were tea was about to be served. Sonia went her way back to her handler. Her job was done for today.

Pets, dogs or cats bring something very special in our life. If pets were allowed in nursing and care home it would certainly help the transition for residents.

Carlos