Any one have a pet they take into Nursing Homes? I have a beautiful 13 week old retriever/chow mix that weighs approximately 28 lbs. has gained 10 of them the last 4 weeks. I thinks she is going to be a big dog. I work as an Activity Director in a Nursing Home and am in a position to train on the job with my dog. I have a specific group of Sensory Stimulation residents who are responding beautifully to pet therapy. I did speak to an organization who certifies pets but says 1 year is the youngest. (I full heartedly disagree!!!) If a loving, docile dog is introduced cautiously and carefully into a enviroment of fragile, elderly and aging population it is a wonderful thing. My dog has in the last 4 weeks learned to wait for an invitation before jumping up, carefully accepts treats ( which is 3-6 pieces of her dry dog food) portioned out during the day to keep her within the allowable diet for her size. Yes she does get two regular meals per day but because everyone wanted to treat the cute little puppy and I didn't want to over treat her, talking 1 cup of her 3 cup quota seemed ideal. It works for us anyways. Needless to say after I talked to this organization about pet therapy and how according to him dogs can't be tested until a year as they have no personality??? A dog at 6 months is not the same dog at 12 months??? Hello . . . Is there something I should know about my pet?
If anyone has any insite to a dogs I Q changing or personality changes please enlighten me.
The whole reason we adopted our precious Buddie was because she was perfect to us. She is unique! Her mother is very gentle and docile, quiet, Buddie doesn't bark, she is kennel accepting (She loves her kennel) I have one in my office at work and one in our bedroom at home. She sleeps there and will retreat there with her favorite rawhide. If at work, we are not doing therapy; she waits in the kennel until break time, so we can go out for one of out many walks. She doesn't have free run at the Nursing Home, she is on a lead under my control at all times or in her kennel. The alternative would be home in a kennel while we worked. The process of becoming familiar with institution noises, alarms, dietary carts, linen carts elevators, wheel chairs, and walkers have become an acceptable way with buddie. I see pets back away from elevators and jump out of their skins at the sound of an alarm. I very much would like to hear from anyone who knows if I am missing something? Thanks!