We love dogs for their boundless joy and unconditional love. But sometimes we’re so deep in the trenches of dog rescue that we need a reminder. On my trips to a senior living facility for Pet Therapy Day, I’ve watched as Rescue Ranch dogs lift hearts and stir memories. All it takes is a cold nose and a wagging tail. Never underestimate the power of a rescue dog’s love!
Pet therapy with rescue pups is good medicine
It all started with Mary Luton’s visits to see her mother at Siskiyou Springs Senior Living. Mary is a longtime Rescue Ranch volunteer and has fostered hundreds of pups, so it was natural for her to bring them to visit her mom. Soon, Mary’s visits were a regular part of the schedule and she kept it up after her mom moved elsewhere. Everyone loves Pet Therapy Day with Mary and her Rescue Ranch pups!
It’s truly amazing the difference a furry face can make. Expressions relax, eyes brighten, and hands move instinctively to welcome the four-footers. Seniors who seldom speak share memories of family dogs. Residents smile and ask about the pups. Nobody minds when the questions are repeated minutes later. It’s the moment that matters.
Maybe that’s why dogs are such good medicine–they live in the moment, not the past or the future. MaryAnne, one of Mary’s closest friends at the facility, watched as Ember, a 4-month-old border collie mix, made the rounds. MaryAnne blinked away tears, assuring me she was happy. She said it was wonderful how folks went from “being old” to all lit up when they saw a dog. She insisted that I take a picture of herself with Ember and Mary.
Shenanigans in senior living
I’m the newbie here, so I’m still getting to know the routine. Mary leads the pups around the room, greeting friends and putting everyone at ease. No one worries about being old.
We saw Allen, who rarely comes downstairs but made an exception for the dogs. He told me about his family’s poodle who used to eat the soles out of shoes. He said quite earnestly that he wants to work for Rescue Ranch and asked what he could do. I joked, “Wash the dishes,” and he said no, something to do with the dogs.
Already on my visits, I’ve heard many family stories about furry family members, including a bow-legged cocker spaniel and a young son’s grief at the passing of his beloved pup. It’s interesting that these memories remain when so much else is lost.
Mary brought Bronco, a handsome shepherd mix (available for adoption) specifically for Bob. Bob has lived with German shepherds since he was a toddler. He took Bronco’s leash and circled the room for half an hour, grinning like a little boy. Handling a dog is clearly second nature for him. As for Bronco, he was in heaven!
From unwanted dogs to pet therapy stars
Bronco, Ember and Blaze excelled as therapy dogs in their different ways. Gentle little Ember greeted residents with a wisdom far beyond her age. Lovable Blaze, a young heeler/terrier mix, wriggled into every lap he could find and was delighted to learn that a Sit earned a treat. Friendly Bronco was sociable and patient with everyone–and definitely loved all the treats!
The presence of the Rescue Ranch pups touches a chord and almost everyone responds. How wonderful to see just what these rescue dogs can do!
