A new volunteer from the St. John Ambulance Pet Therapy Program and her two-year-old dog have quickly won the hearts of Twin Lakes Village’s residents.
Volunteer handler Dianne and her golden doodle CharLee have been visiting the Sarnia seniors living community every Thursday to visit with residents.
“Residents are thrilled and waiting at the front door for CharLee and Dianne to arrive,” Twin Lakes Village fun co-ordinator Gina McNally tells S&R Today.
Gina adds that Twin Lakes Village is “excited” that Dianne and CharLee have brought dog therapy back to residents and that their visits are having a positive impact on everyone.
Dianne says as soon as CharLee gets into the parking lot, she knows where to go and “gets into her groove.”
“CharLee is so happy to meet and greet anyone in the home,” Gina says. “Both staff and residents are getting their fill of CharLee’s love.”
On its website, St. John Ambulance says there are more than 3,500 of the organization’s certified volunteer dogs who visit retirement communities, long-term care homes, hospitals, community centres and other venues across Canada with their handlers.
The website also says pet therapy provides people with a wide array of benefits.
“Through petting, affection, and regular visitation, many people benefit both physically and emotionally from the unconditional love of a dog, while also providing the volunteer with a unique and rewarding volunteer experience,” St. John Ambulance says.
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