“We’ve got such warm, loving little puppies
and we wanted to share
them with people.” Lynda Dudek,
Paws of Love coordinator
The group began four years ago, after
several local therapy dog handlers de- cided they wanted to work together. The therapy dogs are tested, certified and in- sured through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national nonprofit organization, says Paws of Love Coordinator Lynda Dudek of Lakeview. “We’ve got such warm, loving little puppies and we wanted to share them with people,” Lynda says, holding the pink leash of one of her therapy dogs, Katie O’Hara McLintock, a gentle-tem- pered, 6½-year-old miniature poodle. The dogs clearly brightened up the
residents’ morning and they smiled as they petted the dogs. They laughed and clapped as some of the dogs performed tricks. Afterward, the dogs got their de- served treats. Some of the smaller dogs happily snuggled next to residents in their chairs. Many times residents will say, “‘I
woke up in such a mood today. It’s going to be a good day now,’” says C.J. Foster of Lakeview, the handler for Sadie, a 6 ½ year-old miniature poodle who is a lit- termate with Katie. “We hear that all the time. They’re lonely, they don’t get visi- tors. They look forward to the interac- tion,” she says.
“It just lights them up,” Lynda says. “It brings joy to them.”
Positive interaction Those who interact with therapy dogs
receive positive mental and physical benefits. Interacting with a therapy dog in-
creases happiness, helps socialization and verbalization, decreases stress and blood pressure and releases endor- phins, according to the Alliance of Ther- apy Dogs.
Those who are in a senior facility also
enjoy the visits because it breaks up their daily routine and helps them feel less lonely. Many residents had to give
20 JULY/AUGUST 2019 LIVING WELL
Katie O’Hara McLintock does a trick for residents of Elmcroft. She’s a gentle-tempered, 6½-year-old miniature poodle.
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