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Residents at Mercy Place Albury have embraced the introduction of a program that brings residents and furry friends together for pet therapy sessions.
Trained pet therapy dog Pringles began visiting the home three months ago with owner Jack.
The golden retriever is from the Delta Therapy Dogs program, which is an initiative of the Delta Society.
The society is a not-for-profit organisation that connects volunteers and trained therapy dogs to more than 850 health care services nationally.
During these weekly visits to the home, Pringles spends valuable one-on-one time with up to five residents at the home, providing plenty of opportunities to pat, play and engage.
Colleen Owens, 54, is one of the many Mercy Place Albury residents to have found joy in Pringles’ weekly visits to the home.
Growing up with a love of animals and previously owning dogs, cats and rabbits, this program has given Ms Owens the opportunity to engage with pets again in her home of two years.
This program became possible when Mercy Place Albury contacted the Delta Society after identifying various residents that would positively benefit from the pet therapy program.
Mercy Place Albury service manager Douglas Wain said pet therapy provided an invaluable contribution to Mercy Place Albury’s lifestyle and leisure calendar and was one of the many innovative programs adopted by the home.
He said supporting research highlights the benefits on the physical, social, emotional and cognitive wellbeing of residents.
This includes reducing blood pressure and providing motivation for movement, as well as promoting greater self-esteem and provoking laughter.
Mr Wain said the pet therapy sessions had played an ongoing role in resident wellbeing.
“This activity gives our residents an opportunity to connect with a furry four-legged friend in a fun and supportive environment that promotes socialisation," he said.
“It’s an activity the residents look forward to each week and we see ongoing benefits with the presence of the Delta Dogs program within the home.
“Many of our residents grew up on farms or had various family pets.
"This program gives them a platform to interact with animals once more.”
This advertising feature is supported by: Mercy Place Albury
Mercy Place Albury is set within walking distance of Albury’s Commercial Golf Club and close to the Murray River.
Residents have access to a wide range of services including allied health services, such as physiotherapy, speech pathology and podiatry.
There is also a hair and beauty salon.