As you can probably tell from the above photos, Ernie and Mandy aren’t young dogs and wouldn’t make great jogging companions unless your version of jogging involves moseying rather than running. These two canine senior citizens do, however, live happy and productive lives as therapy dogs at HomePlace of Oak Harbor, a residential program specializing in the care and support of people in varying states of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Mandy and Ernie have been adopted by Activity Director, Wendy Sines; the dogs live with Wendy and her family, but they spend their days at HomePlace with the residents. Wendy has said about Mandy and Ernie that they “have enriched our lives as a family, as well as the staff, residents and their families at HomePlace.”

Ernie hits the door at his version of a gallop in the morning when he comes to work with Wendy, and he never stops . . . except for an occasional nap with a resident. Ernie is particularly fond of snoozing on the couch with residents who take great comfort in wrapping their arms around him as snugs up next to them. Ernie even gets regular grooming because the male residents are particularly fond of brushing him. When the above photo was taken, Ernie was on his way to the kitchen to check on lunch, but he stopped just long enough to pose for the camera and give us his great smile. He visits with everyone during his work day, and his calming influence helps lower anxiety levels and brings smiles to everyone’s faces. For many residents, Ernie is the only living being to whom they relate as they struggle to maintain their identity. Ernie doesn’t care who they are; he just knows that he loves them and they return his love in all ways that are important to both dog and residents.

The woman holding Mandy doesn’t know her name, but as you can see from the photo, this resident is hanging on to Miss Mandy in a way that clearly indicates that knowing her name unimportant. Sadly, Mandy’s days of prancing around HomePlace as Queen of the Manor are coming to an end because her fifteen year old body is failing her, and she isn’t able to get around well any longer. One day soon, after bringing Mandy in for one last visit with those who have come to love her, Wendy and her family will send Mandy on to her next expression of spirit after many years of service to those who have depended on her charm and gentle ways to brighten their days.

Mandy and Ernie are wonderful testimonies to the kind of life an older dog can have if people who work for, or are involved in any way with an assisted living or care facility, are willing to adopt an older dog and bring him or her to work with them. Adopting an older dog and bringing your senior friend to work with you is a wonderful way for you to enhance not only the life of the dog, but the residents of the facility as well. Most of our dogs would love the opportunity to help people who struggle with aging or any kind of debilitating illness. There’s nothing quite like the comfort and love that an older dog can provide to those who need him or her.

Please email us at office@olddoghaven.org if you’re interested in adopting one of our older dogs and you have a work or volunteer situation that would allow you to bring your dog with you to spend time with residents. Think about what you can make possible by providing an opportunity for the wisdom and age of both people and dogs to connect through love and support.

Joey brightens up the day for a resident at an assisted living facility.