February 2012
Otway Health and Community
Services aged care resident Gwen Robertson with visiting pet Misu.
A pat for a pet makes residents and staff happy
Residents in the Barham and
Laura Pengilley Wings greet Misu and her allied health assistant handler
Jocelyn Dexter every Tuesday.
A fluffy little white dog with a
happy and engaging personality, Misu has been temperament-tested for her
suitability for this work.
Her mission in life is to meet
and greet everyone with that special brand of unconditional dog love.
Misu, a nine-year-old, was
adopted from a Keysborough dog shelter six years ago.
‘She loves a cuddle and a bit of
grooming or lap sitting,’ Ms Dexter said.
‘To the delight of the
residents, Misu remembers them and her particular routine with each from previous
visits.
‘Animals do not judge someone
for being ill, having dementia or being elderly or disabled.’
Pet Therapy programs are common
in hospitals and nursing homes due to the now mainstream recognition that
contact with an animal can have beneficial effects on psychological, social and
emotional wellbeing.
As well as unconditional love,
they offer physical contact and a link to memories of pets from a person’s
past, bringing a sense of normality and belonging into an institution.
A side benefit is the effect
on staff.
There is a special buzz on ‘Misu day’ and she receives a constant stream of adoring visitors as staff drop by for a pat.
