Jan 15/10: Working Dogs

Jan 15/10: Working Dogs, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I went with a friend to a nursing home to play music for her mother who is 101. While we were there the weekly visit of these dogs happened. I was told that they belong to Zoothérapie Québec, an organization that arranges visits by dogs to a variety of long term care facilities. (The website is only in French). The dogs live with families, get evenings and weekends off, but otherwise work during the week. The effect of the visit was obvious. People who had been sitting expressionless broke out into smiles. Maggie, On Mme D's lap enjoyed the attention. Elvis, calmly waited his turn to be the centre of attention. The dogs patiently sat on laps, nuzzled with the patients and brought a sense of joy and calm. What a pick-me-up on an otherwise grey day!