By Kim Dickson
For The News
NEW GLASGOW
A couple of four-footed guests have been bringing smiles to residents of Glen Haven Manor, a long-term care facility in New Glasgow, since they were first introduced last June.
Every Tuesday either Gracie, or Murphy, two therapy dogs that are part of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, stop by the nursing home with their owners Mitch Gammon and Sue Muir.
Residents beam and large smiles light up their faces as the dogs travel from room to room or common areas, visiting those interested in sharing time with the therapy dogs.
“I love them both. I had dogs all of my life,” says Allister MacLaren. “I am happy to see them and they cheer people up. If the phone rings and Gracie and Murphy are here to visit, I say I have to go to see the dogs!”
Among the many residents who enjoy the two dogs, Beverly King describes Gracie, a kind and loving three year old golden retriever, and Murphy, a laid-back, gentle, Bernese mountain dog with his own Instagram account, as beautiful. “They give us a big lift. I love them and can’t wait to see them.”
“I love the two of them,” says resident Dave Richardson. “It makes a new day!”
Several residents such as Jackie Johnson and Helen Manos keep treats on hand for the dogs.
“I love to see them and give them crackers,” says Johnson.
Manos only has eyes for the two pups when they are around and says she can’t wait for them to come to see her.
“They are so pretty. I look forward to their visits,” she says.
Bill Alexander, 85 years young, agrees the dogs give a lift to any day and recalls having dogs as a young boy at home with his parents as he takes time to pat both Gracie and Murphy.
“We always had one at home. Every morning when I got up the dog was right there beside me. I don’t forget those memories.”
The mother-son owners of Murphy and Gracie explain that the program provides visits to hospitals, nursing homes, universities, the airport and anywhere else where someone might benefit from the unconditional love of a dog. Dogs are assessed for the program. They must have the right disposition and personality to be approved.
“We alternate the dogs and see as many residents as possible each visit. We know they look forward towards seeing Gracie or Murphy,” said Muir who was previously an acute-care and critical-care nurse.
She says she looks forward to the visits to Glen Haven.
“It is a homey atmosphere. Staff here are so sweet and nice to the residents. It is very rewarding,” she says.
Gammon, a young entrepreneur, who loves to volunteer with Gracie, Murphy and his mother, says that he loves the childhood memories residents often tell about their own pets. He knows first-hand the many benefit of interacting with a pet, sharing that he has suffered a great personal loss and explaining that Gracie helps him greatly.
“Gracie found me,” he says. “I want to share that benefit and positive and uplifting impact with others.”
In addition to Glen Haven, Gammon and Muir take Gracie and Murphy to the local NSCC and a local high school. All four visited at Glen Haven on Christmas Day and also delivered Christmas cards, which the residents still proudly display. In addition to the weekly visits the dogs will be around for special holidays such as Valentine’s Day.
“The therapy dog program, which is part of our recreational programming, has met with great success since its introduction last June,” says Glen Haven CEO Lisa Smith. “Our residents are enjoying the visits very much. We are grateful to Sue and Mitch for their dedication and interest and also to St. John Ambulance for this great community minded program. Gracie and Murphy have firmly planted themselves into the hearts and home of our residents and have become a treasured part of the wider Glen Haven family. We look forward to welcoming them for many years to come.”
