WESTFIELD – Dogs were a highlight at Genesis Health Care on Wednesday afternoon as a pet therapy session was held for some of the residents.
Six members of the Westfield Chapter of the Love on a Leash organization each brought their dogs to the nursing home. All of the dogs are certified therapy dogs as each has gone through a series of different trainings in order to be given that label. The dogs are tested on their comfortability with other dogs, willingness to be pet, basic obedience among other things.
The Westfield Love on a Leash Chapter visits Genesis Health Care once a month, along with The Arbors, the Governor’s Center and other Westfield nursing homes.
According to Leslie Pirnie of the Westfield Chapter, Love on a Leash therapy dogs focus on brightening people’s days. Therapy dogs are trained by their handlers to help cheer up people including someone with a disability or an individual who is recovering from a stroke.
All dogs that are a part of Love on a Leash are certified therapy dogs. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
The members are always excited to attend local nursing homes or schools because of the positive effect the dogs have on the people there.
“It makes us happy to see them happy,” said Linda Roberts. “It’s very rewarding.”
The six dogs, who are also the volunteers’ personal pets, visited patients in their rooms at Genesis during their time spent on Wednesday.
Kathy Fila, who is the Recreation Director at Genesis, saw a direct example of the appreciation that some of the patients have when the dogs visit. Fila said that a short-term resident who requested to not be named, had a dog that passed away two days ago, and seeing a dog come into her room was a great moment for her as she began to cry.
“After she had the pet therapy visit and I went in, she was smiling and that just made my day,” said Fila.
Pirnie added that if anyone is interested in having their dog tested to be a potential therapy dog to go into nursing homes or schools, to call her at 413-568-5123.
