Shelter dogs visit Wayne County Care Center
Wayne County Dog Shelter Director and Dog Warden Katelyn Lehman, shelter volunteer Sandy Dunbrook holding Momo, care center activities aide Melissa Collins, care center social services designee Rachel Schmitt and shelter technician Kirsten Eshler holding Chewy pose after an afternoon of visiting with care center residents.
Dan Starcher
The unconditional love and companionship of animals can be a source of comfort and joy for many people, and recently, a pair of canines visited the Wayne County Care Center to brighten the day for residents.
“This is the first time we have had shelter dogs visit us,” activities aide Melissa Collins said. “Many family members bring in pets, which are very popular with residents.”
A 2018 National Institutes of Health study, The Power of Pets, says dogs may decrease stress and improve heart health.
The presence of a shelter dog can evoke smiles, laughter and cherished memories, helping to spark conversations and memories among residents, their families and even staff. They also encourage movement and mobility such as petting or taking a short stroll.
According to Dog Warden and Shelter Director Katelyn Lehman, the residents aren’t the only ones who benefit from the visit.
“This is a win-win situation,” she said. “The residents get an opportunity to bond with the dogs, and the dogs get out of the stressful environment of the shelter for a while.”
Implementing animal therapy programs featuring shelter dogs can be rewarding, and safety is a top concern. According to Lehman, dogs visiting the center receive a behavioral assessment and have a calm personality. Each has been medically reviewed, bathed and groomed.
To learn more about the Wayne County Care Center, visit www.waynecountycarecenter.com. To learn more or schedule a therapy dog visit from the Wayne County Dog Shelter, visit www.waynedogshelter.org.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.
