Bill and Nick Bring Joy to Elderly ResidentsBill and Nick move easily about the nursing homes they visit. A stop in the day room lightens the entire atmosphere. Residents, many of whom were sitting idly, quitely watching television, immediately perk up at the site of Nick. Nick, a Collie and certified therapy dog, is owned by Bill Budreau.
The two plan visits to local nursing homes, bringing a moment of joy and a temporary reprieve from the monotony of day to day life in the nursing homes.
One of the more poignant problems facing modern society, is finding the time to spend with our elderly population.
Many older Americans, even some right here in Winthrop, live in nursing homes or elder care facilities. With little to occupy their waking hours, many of these people wait patiently for visits from family and friends. It is those visits, the shared moments with others that brighten their days.
Clubs and organizations throughout the town remind their members in weekly newsletters to call or write to someone in need of a friend.
Yet, visiting elderly residents in nursing homes does not have to be the sole domain of family and friends. In fact, as Nick and Bill have shown, it doesn't even have to be the sole domain of humans.
Winthrop Justice of the Peace Bill Budreau has found that he and Nick can have the same wonderful effect on the lives of the elderly, as a visit from a loved one.
"I started visiting the nursing homes in 1996, with King, another Collie I owned," explained Budreau. "It's really something to watch the folks light up, when you walk into the room with the dog. They really love the visits."
Governor Winthrop Nursing Home Administrator, Tony Traino concurred with Budreau about the effects of the visits on the residents.
"We call it pet therapy, the responses I've had have been very positive when pets come in," said Traino. "We find the residents really enjoy the visits from pets and in addition to Mr. Budreau, our activities coordinator also schedules visits from other visiting pets, as well as other forms of entertainment for the residents."
Traino estimated that pet visits occur at least once every few months. However, Budreau said that one of his regrets is that he hasn't been able to find the time to visit the homes more often.
"I'd like to bring Nick out for visits much more often, I'd do it every two weeks, but I can't always manage that," he explained.
Budreau also explained that not every dog is capable of being a visiting dog. Visiting dogs must be passive and friendly, but not too friendly. He added that a visiting dog should not be easily frightened, since a frightened dog is more likely to snap or become unruly.
"Nick is certified by the MSPCA as a visiting or therapy dog," said Budreau. "The process is mainly one of an interview with the dog, to determine is the dog would be a threat to anyone. The first dog I began visiting with, King, was also certified by the MSPCA."
Despite the certification, Budreau said the most important thing is that the dog possess a willingness to approach and lack of fear of being grabbed.
"There was one time when an elderly gentleman was trying to play with Nick and he grabbed the lower jaw and was holding onto it," said Budreau. "Nick just let him do it until I could get the man to let go. Some dogs would be upset by that and if they ever tried to bite some it could be tragic."