Photo: Bonnie, Ashton Healthcare resident with Betsy, an adoptable dog at BCHS and Activities Aide, Jenifer Johns
On the third Thursday of every month, volunteers take an adoptable dog to visit residents at Ashton Healthcare in Athens. Residents love to see and pet the dog while most will tell stories of their past pets.
This month, Betsy, a beagle visited the patients. Betsy is very sweet, mellow and loving and waiting for her forever home.
It is profoundly moving to see how dogs have the ability to help calm and soothe agitated individuals while lifting the spirits of those who are sad and lonely. They provide a medium for physical touch and display affection for those who have lived isolated lives. The mere presence of a dog raises the spirits of a person and the petting and touching of the fur allows one to have a wonderful object toward which to express their affection, according to Therapy Dogs International.
"Everyone, including staff, looks forward to our monthly visits with our dogs," states Megan Snell, BCHS Community Outreach Coordinator.
If your business in interested in a pet visit, contact Jennifer or Megan at 888-2114.
The Bradford County Humane Society is a United Way Agency.
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