What's better than being cuddled? Being cuddled by cute, fuzzy dogs.
Carlene Coury is an avid volunteer at the Humane Society of the North Bay. Representing the Humane Society at a recent event at the Florence Douglas Senior Center, Coury was asked if the organization has ever brought dogs to nursing homes.
Coury said she would be "thrilled" to bring dogs to nursing homes. Unbeknownst to Coury, the person asking was a director at Windsor Homes. And so began the inception of the Cuddle Club.
"It has been absolutely so rewarding," said Coury, noting the growing popularity of the club. "The people in these facilities light up and some of them want to hold the dogs and cuddle them.
"Also, the staff realizes that these dogs are up for adoption. We've had some successful adoptions come out of it. So, it's just a great program."
Coury's mother, Louise, was in a nursing home for eight years in Pennsylvania. Coury recalls the nursing home bringing many furry, four-legged friends to the facility.
"They brought so much joy to her and other residents who wanted to see the dogs," said Coury.
Coury remembers visiting her mother in the nursing home with her Yorkshire Terrier, Captain Jack Sparrow. After Coury witnessed her mother's happiness being around Captain Jack Sparrow, Coury decided to leave her dog with her mother.
Residents of The Lodge at Glen Cove have taken to the Cuddle Club. Regional Activities Director Amanda Hassler says the pups "brighten" the residents' day — especially those in memory care.
"It's very therapeutic for them," says Hassler. "I have seen residents that have adopted a dog and it gives them a purpose and a companion. It makes them happy. The staff and the other residents love to see their pets when they take them out.
"Pet therapy is used in assisted living communities like this, especially for residents who have conventional Alzheimer's. It is a very therapeutic thing for them. The dogs brought happy energy."
Coury is adamant that the Cuddle Club is helping senior citizens and would love more volunteers to expand the Cuddle Club.
The Humane Society, The Lodge at Glen Cove, and Nexthome Family Tree will be collaborating for the "Come Meet Your New Best Friend" pet adoption on June 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Glen Cove excess parking lot.
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