Sunshine Coast Aged Care Residents Welcome Local ‘Paw Pals’ for Pet Therapy Session

In honour of International Dog Day (Monday 26 August), residents from TriCare Kawana Waters Aged Care facility will welcome two very furry friends for a special playdate and pet therapy session. Designed to foster social connections and positive wellbeing for the residents, the pet therapy sessions are a 'highlight of the week’ for many – especially those that are unable to engage in other social activities due to illness.

This week’s session will see ‘paw pals’ Ruby and Chester visit the residents for some much-needed cuddles, emotional support, and lots of laughter.

The pet therapy sessions came about after one of the lifestyle team members was at the dog park with her own furry friend when she met the owner of Ruby and Chester. Ruby was a therapy dog and companion for the owner’s late wife who sadly passed away. Ruby misses her companion and giving out cuddles, so these visits bring not only love to the residents but also fills the void for Ruby and Chester. Ruby and Chester come twice a month and look forward to their visits.

“The benefit of the therapy dogs is that they can come to them. Residents that say they can’t move because of pain suddenly become active and smiling from ear to ear,” said Lifestyle Coordinator Sally McSorley.

“It definitely reduces the anxiety and stress in some of the residents if only for a short while. It gives them something else to focus on and to talk about after.

“It also allows the residents to show love and feelings to the therapy dogs as our two furry friends also love their visits and receiving cuddles and attention.”

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Pictured above: TriCare Kawana Waters residents Hazel Borrows and Geoff Williams with therapy dog Ruby
(Main image: TriCare Kawana Waters resident Maurice Venning and therapy dog Chester)