THERAPY DOGS CAN HAVE ‘PROFOUND EFFECT’ ON OLDER ADULTS

The COVID-19 pandemic was a depressing and isolating time for many people, as well as some of our four-legged friends that specialize in providing comfort and companionship to others.

Alliston-area resident Pennie Arnott and her golden retriever Molly have been a mainstay of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program, with Arnott having volunteered with the organization for the past 20 years.

The lockdowns halted their weekly visits with the residents at the Good Samaritan Seniors' Complex in Alliston, and at one of the group homes operated by Community Living Association for South Simcoe (CLASS).

"Molly actually sulked, because she just missed seeing people," said Arnott, a retired teacher who worked at Banting Memorial High School. "She just wanted to be with them."

But the pair carried on as much as they could during COVID-19, doing window and patio visits.

When the restrictions lifted, the pair resumed their therapy sessions.

"She is just the perfect dog for visiting," she said. "She loves people, whether it's children or seniors."

Molly said their visits allow seniors to relive their earlier, happier years.

"So many of them used to have dogs, but they died, or had to give them up when they moved there, so to just have a dog for them to cuddle with and stroke, it has a profound effect on them," she said.

Arnott said the visits are also beneficial for the caregivers, since it gives them a break. "They enjoy it too," she said.

Beeton resident Janice Preiss, who is the local coordinator for the program, said Arnott never hesitates to make extra visits, like at the library with students, and with children during the Bite Free Program, which teaches kids techniques to reduce the chances of being bit by a dog.

Preiss noted that Arnott has accumulated more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service, while Molly has done more than 500 visits. "Pennie's dedication is amazing, and she has had an incredible impact on many individuals within the community," noted Preiss.

Preiss said there are about two dozen volunteers registered with the program locally, though only some of them are currently active due to the pandemic.

Doreen Roberts, also a retired teacher, is another dedicated member of the team, having volunteered for 12 years. Roberts and her poodle Willow are familiar faces at Riverwood Senior Living in Alliston.

Weighing in a about four pounds, Willow can usually be found snuggling in a resident's lap.

Roberts has racked in more than 1,000 hours of service, and Willow has done more than 250 visits.

Carolyn Harding and her cairn terrier Riley also continued to volunteer during the pandemic. Harding, who joined six years ago and has racked up 500 hours of service, and Riley, who has done more than 250 visits, are regulars at Riverwood, and at a local group home.

Preiss said Harding continued to make visits, despite undergoing some of her own health issues.

"These ladies have gone above and beyond," she said.

Preiss is currently looking for new volunteers to join the program.

Anyone interested in participating can email Preiss at azad1@rogers.com. For more information on the program, visit https://sja.ca/en/ community-services/therapy-dog-program.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: After program co-ordinator Janice Preiss contacted the Herald to profile some of its volunteers, Simcoe.com decided to take a closer look at the program, and how it helps seniors.