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Health News For Champlain

Friday, July 25, 2014
Carefor Health & Community Services
New Program has Carefor Wagging Tails

Carefor Pembroke Civic Complex, Pembroke, Ontario, July 22, 2014- Carefor Health & Community Services welcomed a new volunteer to their ranks of over 300, as George, the St. John Therapy Dog took central stage. This new program at Carefor was well received by the residents and judging by George’s waging tail he enjoyed giving back to his community.

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program brings joy and comfort to the sick, lonely and those in need of a friendly visit. “The Therapy Dog Program is a wonderful program for our 92 residents to participate in. It helps overcome issues of isolation, socialization, encourages physical activity, fundamental movement, and memory retention,” said Carefor Recreation Coordinator, Debbie Archambeault.

Often area seniors can become isolated in their rooms or residences, or avoid socialization. Pet lovers not only interact with the therapy dog but their handlers, program coordinators and mentors. While seniors feel, touch, pet and cuddle the dog, they are using their fundamental movement skills and exercising, stretching and employing fine motor skills. Enhanced programs like this are linked to stress relief and pain distraction. Participants find interacting with the dog comforting and calming. Interaction with the dog can also help with memory retention. “Just in one evening, I found that our residents had greater social engagement with each other, the residents were talking, and smiling more. Interest in this program and participation by our Carefor Pembroke Civic Complex residents was a record high. We are looking forward to this program happening weekly” said Carefor Recreation Summer Student, Aiden Ryan.

St John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program Coordinator says, “Our volunteers and dogs truly have a passion for the work they do and you can see it shine through their beaming smiles. Hearing these kind words and knowing the extent to which our program is improving the lives of members of our community on a weekly basis is an overwhelming reward.” George is a 3 year old goldendoodle who is a new addition to the local program along with his owners and handlers Francoise Tremblay and her son Max. The pair say, “It is nice to meet the people at Carefor each week, George is always really happy to go back and enjoys welcoming everybody when they walk into the room. It nice to see how much George makes everyone smile and it makes every visit and volunteering a great pleasure”

For more information contact Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County at Pembroke Civic Complex 613-732-9993, or infopembroke@carefor.ca or check out our website at www.carefor.ca.