The human-animal bond
Everyone who has a companion animal knows how special the bond is between them and their pet. Most of us could never conceive the thought of having to relinquish a cherished animal should something happen to us.
Shelters receive many animals from owners who must go into assisted living facilities due to health problems and it must be one of the hardest things to have to do.
The first dog I knew who was placed in one of these facilities was a senior black labrador named Gunnar. He had to learn where he was allowed to go and when he was allowed to exit the automated doors.
Last Saturday we had the pleasure of introducing them to Brownie, who will become their second resident dog.
Then another family came in looking specifically for another dog for another facility. I introduced them to Roxy, a schnauzer mix who was very gentle. They needed a medium-sized dog so the residents who were in wheelchairs could reach her but not so rambunctions she would knock a resident down if they were standing or on a walker.
Roxy went to the facility today and her introduction went well. I will let you read what our behaviorist said about the visit.
"Kelley and I took Roxy to an assisted living facility today in Sarasota. She did fantastic! She did so well, they adopted her after 30 minutes there.
She was very gentle and never jumped up on anyone. She would walk up to a resident in a wheelchair so they could pet her.
Eventually she will have the run of the whole place including elevator rides to the third floor.
She has three primary caregivers there - one daytime and one nighttime and a third for weekends. She shares an office with the Volunteer Activities Director where she will sleep
and eat. Then she will be a social butterfly all day doing as she pleases.
Everyone just loved her and her tail never stopped wagging."
She was very gentle and never jumped up on anyone. She would walk up to a resident in a wheelchair so they could pet her.
Eventually she will have the run of the whole place including elevator rides to the third floor.
She has three primary caregivers there - one daytime and one nighttime and a third for weekends. She shares an office with the Volunteer Activities Director where she will sleep
and eat. Then she will be a social butterfly all day doing as she pleases.
Everyone just loved her and her tail never stopped wagging."
How great is it she will now have a multitude of people who love her and care for her? Another great reason why we do what we do. Thanks to all the facilities like these two who realize how special the animal-human bond is.
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