Therapy dogs help residents build connections, ease stress and anxiety

Anne Bolt and her therapy dog Nero spread love, companionship and joy to aged care residents in Tasmania.
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I started volunteering for Therapy Paws Tasmania with my 7-year-old dog Nero about eight months ago, visiting schools, workplaces and residential aged care facilities.”

Our mission is to help build social connections, increase feelings of well-being, and assist people who are dealing with stress and anxiety. After all, dogs are natural anti-depressants!

I usually stay about one hour at aged care facilities. When I arrive, I spend time introducing Nero to the residents. After they have got to know him, I then get him to do some of his tricks that he can do quite well, such as paws up, spin, into the middle and on your blanket.

The residents love him, like Maggie at Queen Victoria Care in Lindisfarne, Tasmania. Some just pat him and fondle his ears and others like to nurse him. The staff are always pleased to see Nero and they also love his antics when he arrives.

Maggie told me once, “It is just wonderful to have Nero visit. Come and give me a cuddle Mr Shiny nose. I always had dogs in my life from when I was a young child. There is nothing like the love from a dog and they know when you love them!”

Another memorable experience was when a resident cradled Nero in her arms and kept saying “I could love HER”.  She didn’t want to let him go! I am sure she would have liked to keep him.

I definitely think that pets should visit aged care facilities.   I am not sure whether living with their owners would be practical for staff unless they were care homes that had individual units with a small garden.

I certainly would like to see more pet friendly facilities as I have listened to many residents who miss having their dogs with them but are so happy to have visits from volunteering pets.”

Anne , TAS

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