Re(2): [PyrNet-L] A wee double brag

[wetheri@emmanuel.edu (Ann K. Wetherilt)]

Dancingpyr@aol.com writes:
>I too wouldn't want to be without my animals.  I realise that it is extra 
>work to accommodate an animal at a nursing or minimal care home.  But I
>also 
>feel that if animals were allowed, the "inmates" would be happier and 
>healthier!
At the annual dinner meeting of our pet therapy organization a couple of
years ago we had a presentation by a woman from a nursing home that has a
golden retriever as a resident. First time round, it happened by
default...dog belonged to the administrator and became a companion to the
whole institution. When that dog died, they went through Yankee GR Rescue,
couldn't find an appropriate dog, and finally one of the organizers
decided it was such a great placement that she donated one of her own
dogs. They've gotten all the necessary Dept. of Health clearances, and now
the dog is a regular part of the care. Apparently it's made a huge
difference in the residents' lives.
One of our neighbors' mother lost her Bernese a couple of years ago, and
immediately got another puppy--at 83. Both are thriving. I totally
agree--I can't imagine *not* having a pyr, unless I were totally unable to
take care of it and had no one to help. Perhaps we all need to find ways
to help elders maintain pet ownership longer. I know the MSPCA here in
Boston has a program where volunteers assist in enabling people with AIDS
to keep their pets. I think it's very important.
Ann, Peg, Paddington and Ivy Rose