Seniors’ Part Time Pooch is Paw-fect

For many people having a pet around the house is a normal part of life, which is why a very friendly and enthusiastic Golden Retriever has proven so popular at a local aged care home. Eight-year-old Sunny is the exceptionally friendly pet therapy pooch who has started to visit residents at Mercy Place Mont Clare through the Delta Society, a not-for-profit organisation that takes therapy dogs into hospitals, aged care homes and rehabilitation centres.

Sunny visits the aged care home alongside her owner, East Fremantle-local Jane Vallance, with the pair spending time with seniors who are always on hand to have a cuppa and chinwag, while offering Sunny lots of pats and affection.

“Just as I have been getting to know the residents and staff, so has Sunny,” explains Jane, who decided to volunteer and explore pet therapy with her dog through the Delta Society after retiring from her job as a senior policy manager in the public sector.

“The residents we have met so far have been very happy to meet Sunny and spend time with her, with one gentleman having a shave and even dressing very smartly before meeting her; she has certainly helped to put a smile on the faces of the seniors.”

Mercy Place Mont Clare Service Manager, Dorothy Wijangco, said the regular visits by Jane and Sunny were already bringing much joy into the lives of residents, many of whom have owned and loved dogs in their younger years.

“The program is set to have an extremely positive influence on residents as well as staff, and we are incredibly thankful to Jane and her gorgeous four-legged family member for her commitment to visiting our animal-loving seniors,” she says.

“Sunny is most certainly a big hit and already we are finding that stroking her silky ears and fluffy coat aids relaxation amongst residents, as well as increasing interactivity and happiness.

“We also know through various studies that animals improve the wellbeing of people and this is one of the reasons why we thought it would be good to have visits from a Delta dog on a regular basis. 

“Everyone who has met Sunny and has seen her wagging tail has loved being in her presence, and she also provides a talking point for residents to reminisce about the pets they’ve owned in their younger years.”

Dogs and their handlers are required to undergo rigorous training with the Delta Society before being admitted to the program. The organisation’s world class program is the largest of its kind in Australia with over 1000 volunteers and their specially selected dogs making regular visits to aged care homes to offer the benefits of pet therapy, spend time with residents and offer a chat and a paw to shake.

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