Jesse the Therapy Dog is pleased to be recognized by Therapy Dogs International with their Remarkable Volunteer Award. Jesse volunteers every Monday at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport with his mommy, Dianne Hickerson. This award signifies the completion of 250 documented therapy visits.
You are probably wondering what Jesse does as a therapy dog and how he helps the residents of Elderwood. Each week he amazes me with his ability to bring comfort and happiness to the people there. He greets each resident with a wag of the tail, or a gentle paw shake, or places his head on their lap. A visit from Jesse brightens their day, lifts their spirits, and brings smiles to their faces. Many of these residents spent a lifetime loving their canine companions, and they miss their pets. It has been proven that petting, touching, and talking to dogs can lower people’s blood pressure, relieve stress, and ease depression. Jesse brings all these benefits to “his people.”
One week, Jesse was asked to visit a resident who had suffered a stroke and had difficulty speaking and using her right arm. When Jesse entered her room she seemed to forget about her infirmities, and she reached out with her right arm to pet Jesse, and she spoke to him with ease. The therapist was amazed.
Jesse reacts differently to each person he visits. One resident was feeling depressed, so Jesse immediately went to her bedside, jumped up with his front paws on the edge of the bed, and began giving puppy kisses on both cheeks. The resident started to laugh and continued laughing until she was nearly crying. It was just so unexpected and so funny. I told Jesse to get down, and that he had given enough kisses, but the resident insisted that he stay right where he was, and said, “I haven’t laughed like that in years. Thank you so much!”
One resident said about Jesse, “I love it when Jesse visits. It makes my day. I look forward to seeing him every Monday.” Jesse races into her room every week, with his tail wagging, always eager to see her. And I can see the smile light up her face!
Jesse sometimes thinks up games to play with the residents. He often stubbornly refuses to leave their room, making them laugh and feel loved.
Jesse looks forward to Mondays just as much as the residents of Elderwood. He chooses a scarf from his vast collection, jumps into the car, and heads to Elderwood, eager to see his friends and receive their attention and affection. He has been visiting for more than five years and loves each and every one of “his people.”
