Helen had not been eating well for the past few days and this morning was no exception. She just stared at her plate of bacon and eggs with no apparent interest or recognition of what had been placed before her. The three other Altzheimer patients had finished their breakfasts and were on the way to the first morning activity. Gianni, one of my therapy dogs and I entered the facility and were greeted by a friendly nurse who smiled broadly and said, “Look Helen, Georgia and Gianni are here to see you!” Helen continued to stare. Helen did not move. Her blue eyes were unfocused and distant. Gianni approached Helen and leaned up against her leg. Still no reaction. I tried to interact with Helen. Nothing. I began a conversation with the heath care worker inquiring about the other residents in the unit. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed some movement. Our dear Helen had removed a piece of bacon from her plate and was feeding it to Gianni. And then…a miracle…Helen began to share her breakfast with my wonderful little two year old Italian Greyhound.
Mara M. Baum has done extensive work with Alzheimer patients and therapy dogs as part of her research at the University of Texas. She found that those afflicted with the disease respond well to dogs. They feel less agitated, eat better, and will even talk to a dog when communication with a human is almost impossible.
My work with The Pet Partners Program (Delta Society) has enriched my life immeasurably. I have two dogs who participate in the program and seem to enjoy it as well, especially the free bacon!
ElderChicks 
I worked as a nurse in nursing homes just when animal therapy began to catch on. Now so many homes have birds, fish and a live-in dog. This does have a positive affect on the quaility of life of the residents.
Great story, Georgia! One thing I need to mention, though, our organization re-branded last year to be known as Pet Partners. Thanks SO MUCH for the great work you do with your dogs!
My retired greyhound and I visit weekly at a residential facility for Alzheimer’s patients. He truly makes a difference in the lives of the residents. He’s just the right height for wheel chairs or residents who are seated, and he loves to lean into the residents who tend to walk more and stop to visit him as we make our rounds. Recently, a woman who had ignored us for weeks began to speak to Sparky, and yesterday she told me he helps her. I feel so grateful to be a part of something so wonderful as brightening someone’s day and watching my beloved “grey” enjoy his older friends.
I think the Italian Greyhound has many of the same behaviors that the larger versions exhibit, particularly the “leaning in”. It is so sweet!
My father in law has a dog in his memory care unit and loves it. My mother in law, who is no longer with us had a cat on the unit. Mary was so fascinated with that cat. I think animals are wonderful “healers”. Thank you for sharing your dogs with our older citizens.
I have also seen music have a profound effect on Alzheimer patients.
I remember my mother telling our Golden Retriever Lucy that stroking her wonderful coat was lowering Mom’s blood pressure. She, Mother not Lucy, had read an article reporting that news. I think the benefit was mutual.
Hi Thelma, Syl says the same thing as he strokes TWO dogs! Imagine how low his pressure must be!