The Amazing Adventures of Archibald Esq.
Dog Duties: Being a ‘House’ Dog
‘House dog’ is really a euphamism for ‘assistance dog’ — the kind that comes in to help people lower their blood pressure and get a sense of what’s important in life and how the rhythm of a day should swing…
With the big difference, I guess, that a ‘house dog’ is a full time, 24 hours a day kind of assistance dog, whilst a lot of ‘assistance dogs’ are other people’s pets, who do a little part-time volunteering on the side….
Nevertheless, house dogs and assistance dogs in common are a sign of a growing tide of the converted in terms of accepting and welcoming the presence of dogs in human life, in all types of healing environments. Such is the power of the hound — Awoof!
A recent big success story is that of Bentley, a golden labrador, who was adopted into a residential centre for the care of those with Alzheimer’s in Anapolis (USA).
When the Sunrise (Annapolis Senior Living centre) decided that they wanted a new “house dog” for the 90 residents, they called the Animal Resource Foundation.
The dog chosen for the duty was Bentley, a 3-year-old yellow Lab with an incredibly mellow demeanor. It was love at first sight. Bentley has “the run of the house” and is cared for by residents and staff members as part of the daily routine.
“It takes a special dog to be everybody’s dog,” said Lauren Roane, ARF event coordinator, who introduced Bentley to the residents and the staff at a special reception. “You could see faces lighting up throughout the residence when Bentley made the rounds. He is a perfect match and a storybook adoption,” she said.
Bentley has concierges and staff members that are scheduled for his feeding, and he has others who walk him. He also has the run of the fenced-in area with the Alzheimer’s unit. He has companionship for 24 hours, Ms. Norton said.
“I think we bring him as much joy as he has brought to us,” she said.
The Animal Resource Foundation tries to save and improve the lives of companion animals. It was founded six years ago and maintains a rescue center where cats and dogs are brought in, given love and medical attention, cared for by volunteers and adopted by loving homes. Meanwhile, the animals have a “no cage, no kennel” environment where they socialize with staff members and visitors in large day rooms.
“We are always thrilled when we have a successful adoption,” Ms. Roane said, “but being able to provide Bentley to this new family (at Sunrise) was just icing on the cake. That’s why we do what we do.”
Superwoof to Bentley and all other ‘House Dogs’ and ‘Assistance Dogs’
Archie
Posted 25 Jan 07
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