Assistance Dog Helps Seniors Smile

Rich is an Inter-faith Chaplain at Mount San Antonio Gardens in Claremont, a senior community with skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Although Rich is well-liked by residents, his “Assistant Chaplain” often steals the attention. Kenny III is a Labrador/Golden Retriever cross that was trained as an assistance dog by Canine Companions for Independence. Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

“Kenny is a great worker but then again he has a great job!” explains Rich. “He greets everyone he meets with a wag and a kiss, inviting his friends to spend a little time petting his beautiful golden fur.” Kenny thrives on the attention, and residents cherish the unconditional love and zest for life the friendly pooch always offers. Hospice patients as well as residents who are lonely, facing health challenges, lifestyle changes and other emotional transitions particularly benefit from Kenny’s company.

“We spend a good part of each day in the skilled nursing areas where Kenny brings a sense of peace and calm to people struggling with the frustrations and limitations of dementia and Alzheimer’s,” says Rich. “Perhaps most profoundly, Kenny has endeared himself to some of the residents whose disabilities have prevented them from socializing as they once did. Kenny is seen as a new friend who demands little and offers much. When Kenny places his big head on the lap of a wheelchair-bound body, a smile is almost certain to emerge!”

Kenny is also helping Rich reach new residents. “As an ice-breaker, Kenny is unrivaled!“ explains Rich. “Residents whom I’ve never formally met will now stop me in order to pet the dog. One thing quickly leads to another and soon a whole new level of conversation is reached. Because of Kenny’s presence, people are more willing to pause and ponder upon memories of the past and concerns for the future. He has expanded my work in a myriad of wonderful ways!”

Rich and Kenny graduated together after completing an intense, residential, two-week Team Training course at Canine Companions for Independence in Oceanside, California. During Team Training, students are strategically matched with assistance dogs and learn how to work with them safely and effectively. The dogs are trained for two years prior in approximately 40 commands. Thanks to Canine Companions’ generous supporters, the dogs, their training and ongoing follow-up support are provided free of charge.

About Canine Companions for Independence:
Canine Companions for Independence provides highly-trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. For more information, visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.