Molly Spreads Her Magic at Christadelphian Aged Care

A rescue dog who was badly treated for years is now transforming lives by spreading her magic through a pet therapy program.

Fay and Bob Henderson rescued Molly from the RSPCA and her docile nature soon made them realise she would make the perfect therapy dog.

“From the information given to us, Molly was badly treated for her first two years and I often liken the treatment to having the ‘dog’ knocked out of her,” Mrs Henderson said. 

“The normal doggy behaviour such as barking, whimpering, snapping, disobeying commands, messing in the house and being generally disruptive are missing from her nature.”

They began volunteering at Christadelphian Aged Care's residential aged care home in Albion Park, where Molly quickly began to make an impact in the lives of the older residents. 

One resident who suffers badly from confusion and dementia comes to life when Molly comes up to him and he always repeatedly tells her, “I love dogs, I had a dog and I worked on a farm”.

“These are the only words I have heard him say. The rest of the time he remains very quiet, but thanks to Molly for the time we are there he recalls a happy time in his life,” Mrs Henderson said.

Pictured: Fay and Bob Henderson with rescue dog Molly

Molly also visited a woman who was immobile. The residents' sons witnessed the moment their mother broke into a huge smile holding Molly. 

“As we were leaving the visit the sons called to us and told us that was the first really demonstrative reaction they had seen from their Mum since she had become unwell, and I could see they were deeply moved by this,” Mrs Henderson said.

Another time, Mrs Henderson was sitting with a woman who was very upset and confused, but when Molly arrived her confusion was replaced with a lovely smile and tears of joy at seeing and nursing her.

Other residents who were previously not keen to be social now invite the three of them into her room for a chat.

Molly looks quite the pampered pooch, and is decked out with her fancy neck scarf and personalised volunteer name badge as she walks throughout the corridors greeting residents, staff and visitors.  

Without any training Molly goes around for a goodbye pat when leaving, and has a way of knowing who wants her attention and who is reserved. 

“The smiles of delight from the residents is infectious and you can’t help but sharing in the joy she brings in her quite wee gentle way,” Mrs Henderson said.

“While ever Molly is bringing this calmness, love and joy to us and others we will continue to share Molly with the world.

“I truly believe this wee dog has been sent by God to show everyone she meets the true meaning of love and caring,” she said.

The home's Volunteer and Pastoral Care Coordinator, Michelle Bonner, said all the residents and staff looked forward to their visits.

“From our very first meeting I knew Ridgeview would experience something very special with this enthusiastic trio,” she said.

“The benefits of pet therapy are well known, but when you see it firsthand it is truly amazing to see the transformation of residents who would normally be quite reserved. Their eyes light up and a smile beams across their face.  It is a precious moment in time.”

The trio have spread the love to other aged care Homes across the area where Molly is always welcomed with a smile.

Click here to find out more about Christadelphian Aged Care.