BLUE Brings Joy…the cure is not a pill, but a puppy

 

Recent studies have proven something that pet lovers have known for years, animals heal.  Maybe they can’t cure cancer or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but simply petting an animal causes the body to release feel good endorphins that help combat depression.  Nursing home residents are often lonely and die because they simply give up. 

 

This is where our unique journey begins…Anne, an elderly woman with progressing dementia and Blue a rescued puppy with lots of love to give find a special connection.  When Anne first moved in with us she was terribly anxious.  She could hardly give one word answers to simple questions, but when Blue appeared she became calm and remembered to give her treats and tell her what a great dog she was. 

 

Anne is doing much better now and Blue continues to be the highlight of her day.  When Anne is having a bad day, the staff and her family know the cure is not a pill, but a visit from her special friend, Blue.  Blue has made Anne’s life more complete and truly helps combat her anxiety and depression.  We like to believe that the attention and love from Anne completes Blue’s day too!

 

Blue, who celebrated her second birthday on September 27th, is an American Staffordshire Terrier. The official dog of Avon Oaks makes her “rounds” daily, spreading love, and gathering treats. She and her siblings were rescued by an organization called For the Love of Pits. (www.fortheloveofpits.org) They were tiny puppies, found in deplorable conditions in Akron.  The puppies had pneumonia. One of her siblings died from the pneumonia but the others thrived under the loving care of Shauna. 

 

Joan Reidy adopted her, one year ago on October 26th.    For her anniversary, she received a beautiful pink purse which she carries with her as she does her rounds. When asked why she chose this breed of dog, Joan said although she had no intention of adopting a dog whose breed was so controversial, “I couldn't’t help it. It was love at first sight! When I met her, at “Doggie-Do” in Oberlin, I was like a teenager with a crush!”  Although, it isn’t always easy to deal with the prejudice that many feel towards Blue, she is truly a model Breed Ambassador.  She is about as sweet as a dog could be—inspite of being a “terrible-two.”

 

Blue understands the value of education; she has achieved her American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification and is well on her way to becoming an official Delta Therapy Dog.  She just sometimes has trouble getting her mom to stay focused on the homework.

 

Blue is the official dog of the “skilled nursing facility” when not running down the hallways she can be seen looking for treats in the business office, at Jeanette’s desk or visiting with residents in their rooms always leaving with a full stomach.  Blue came to Avon Oaks in 2008. Blue commutes to Avon Oaks almost everyday with her owner Joan Reidy.