Pet pals:
Greyhounds bring joy to nursing home residents
BY DIANE GILES dgiles@kenoshanews.com
Two senior citizens quietly walk down the hallway at Hospitality Nursing and Rehab Center, greeting all with smiling eyes. They have come to visit the residents, bringing them comfort and a little joy.
These graying seniors, Micah and Choosey, may only be 10 and 11 years old, but in dog years that translates into 70 and 77 years.
Owner Joy Johnson has been bringing her greyhounds to five nursing and assisted living facilities in Kenosha for the past two years. The lanky dogs currently are the only ambassadors of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program’s Pet Pals program.
The chemistry between these sweet baboos and elderly animal lovers has been phenomenal.
“Dogs are non-verbal, but they do so much, more than one would think,” Hospitality activities director Linda Cascio said.
Johnson tells of a female resident at Washington Manor who hadn’t been very responsive. Johnson and her greyhounds passed her in the hall, and the woman reached out to pet one of the dogs, then she spoke a few words.
“When we got to the therapy room the therapists who were told of it said, ‘Have her pet him again!’” Johnson said. “They were all excited because she never moved like that on her own for them before. It was a moment of success for her.”
Because greyhounds are a taller breed, it isn’t necessary for the residents in wheelchairs or in bed to bend over to touch them.
On this visit to Hospitality, Micah is the more outgoing of the two in engaging the residents. Choosey is a “leaner” who is content to stand near people and simply lean up against their legs, a move that warms up those who may be
a little timid around animals.
Nearly all the staff and residents in the hall respond to the well-behaved,
calm dogs.
Sylvia Ralston, who has met the pair on previous visits, is one who has developed a good rapport with them.
“They’re palsy-walsy. I love dogs and animals,” Ralston said. “Now I don’t have any because I’m not at home.”
Cascio said resident Joyce Norby doesn’t come out of her room for many activities, but she never wants to miss a visit with Johnson’s dogs.
“I told her to wake me up the next time you come in if I’m sleeping,” Nor- by said.
As Norby gently stroked the dogs, she told of her beloved two cats at home and of her husband’s death just four days earlier.
“There’s nothing left for me there now,” she softly said.
Cascio said animals such as these bring comfort to residents and help them reminisce about the good times in their lives.
One of the must-stops on the tour is the room of Irene Chess, 94, whose tired face lights up as the dogs approach. She gently caresses Micah’s head, planting a kiss on top of his velvety head.
He returns the gesture, startling Chess, but just for a moment. “He gave you a kiss,” Johnson begins to explain. “He did! He gave me a big wet kiss!” she said with a laugh. It’s those kinds of exchanges that make volunteering worthwhile for Johnson. “I have a real heart for senior citizens and this is just ideal for me,” she said. RSVP director Darleen Coleman said the program is looking for more volunteers like Johnson who can bring their furry friends on visits to area facilities. Unlike therapy dogs, specialized training for the pets is not a prerequisite, but there are some requirements.
“Pets must be well socialized and up to date on all inoculations,” Coleman said, adding that all four-legged volunteers must meet with the RSVP staff for an assessment prior to placement.
For more information or to become involved in the Pet Pals program, call Darleen
KENOSHA NEWS PHOTOS BY KEVIN POIRIER/SEE MORE ON SLIDESHOW AT WWW.KENOSHANEWS.COM Delighted Hospitality Nursing and Rehab Center resident Sylvia Ralston reaches out to touch 10-year-old greyhound Micah.
Hospitality Nursing and Rehab Center resident Irene Chess kisses 10-year-old greyhound Micah.
Resident Layton Topel interacts with Choosey and Micah while Joy Johnson holds their leashes. KENOSHA NEWS PHOTOS BY KEVIN POIRIER
Hospitality Nursing and Rehab Center residents Dorothy Kuphal, left, and Ruth Krischon pet 10-year-old greyhound Micah as they visit some of the residents.
