Gorgeous Greyhound Visits Residents at Regis Greenmount

Steve, a gorgeous greyhound, has been bringing smiles to the faces of residents as part of Regis Greenmount’s Therapy Dog Program.

Earlier this year, Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) partnered together with Regis Aged Care to provide opportunities for their GAP volunteers and greyhounds to regularly visit residents as part of the pilot program.

Regis Aged Care’s Therapy Dog Program gives residents the opportunity to interact with a variety of dogs and enjoy the benefits associated from pet therapy.

Steve’s owner Pauline says the Therapy Dog Program at Regis Greenmount is a fantastic initiative mutually beneficial to the residents, staff, Steve and herself.

“Steve was a bit cautious at first, but after a couple of weeks he warmed to the task and now he’s quite eager when we get there,” she said. “He clearly enjoys the pats and rubs he gets, but I think the real attraction is that we arrive about morning tea time!”

“There’s a few people he’s really taken to, of course they tend to be people who speak ‘dog’. Overall Steve is content getting a pat from most residents and I really enjoy listening to them reminisce about the dogs they used to own,” Pauline said.

GAP Team Leader, Lauren Savage, says she hopes more aged care homes take up the opportunity.

“Greyhounds are ideal as therapy dogs, they are loving, sensitive and the perfect height for beds and wheelchairs,” she said.

“Programs like this are a great way to promote the breed and to place greyhounds in the minds of people who perhaps hadn’t considered getting one before. We hope to expand the program in the coming months and encourage anyone interested to get in touch,” Lauren said.

For more information, contact Greyhounds as Pets (GAP on (08) 9445 5399.

Find out more about Regis Aged Care.