Pets spread sunshine

This column was originally published in the Tribune on Dec. 24, 2001.

Some people always seem to have dogs or cats that are exceptionally happy.

When Debra came in with her three dogs, she was talking a mile a minute to all of them as though they were children, and all three of the dogs were excited and happy to be there, running around, wagging their tails and smiling at her.

Debra is a physical therapist. One of her dogs, R.D., goes to work with her every day at Lewiston Rehab and Care Center. I asked if I could visit someday, and write a column about it.

Lewiston Rehab and Care Center was certified in 1998 by the Eden Alternative, a group that encourages placing pets in nursing homes. They have to meet a list of qualifications. All the dogs and cats are carefully screened and must have current vaccinations and health examinations, which are provided by the Orchards Pet Hospital. The cats are declawed because elderly skin is fragile and infections can be serious.

I met lots of friendly people among the staff and the residents. Magoo and two other tail-wagging dogs met me when I walked in. They have four resident dogs, seven or eight cats, 15 or 20 birds and three big fish tanks. The Eden Alternative also encourages plants, so there are potted plants practically everywhere. Regular visits by groups of young children are an important part of the program too.

Magoo is somewhat of a hero. The residents and dogs are allowed to match up with each other, sort of like schoolkids on the playground. Magoo and one elderly resident had bonded pretty closely to each other. One day, the man, alone in his room with the door closed, urgently needed assistance. Magoo immediately sensed something was wrong and stood in the hall barking until help came.

Depression is a common problem in nursing home residents and Debra's dog, R.D., is known for providing solace and comfort. He sits up on his haunches and "begs" for attention, and may gently place a paw on a knee or a chin on the edge of a bed. As I was leaving, one of his old friends came up in his wheelchair and R.D. happily trotted up to greet him and offered to rub noses.

Dr. Jeanenne Myers at Orchards Pet Hospital told me about one of the cats that had bonded to a particular resident who didn't have long to live. She said the cat spent virtually every minute of the last two weeks of the lady's life in her room, as though keeping a vigil. I know the comfort just having a purring cat to hold and pet can bring, and I'm sure it made those last two weeks easier to bear.

The most important thing the dogs, cats, birds and plants provide, however, is something for the residents to care for and nurture. Many of them voluntarily care for plants, clean litter boxes and bird cages, and help with other chores. Most of the dogs and cats come from the Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter, so it is a "win-win" situation. The residents have the comfort of a pet and a sense of purpose, and the pets get a good home.

There is a lot of loneliness in nursing homes, and it can be even worse at Christmas. But Magoo, R.D. and all their furry and feathery friends will add a little to the warmth at the Lewiston Rehab and Care Center this year.

Roen is a retired Clarkston veterinarian whose columns were published weekly in the Lewiston Tribune for more than 30 years. He may be contacted at jazzvet@cableone.net.