Daisy is Looking for a few good dogs...
and a few good people too!
The inspiration for the Daisy Project was a four-month-old Labradoodle by the name of Daisy. In the spring of 2008 Daisy began making regular trips to visit with residents living at The Merriman - a Nursing Care and Assisted Living facility in Akron, OH.
The response of Daisy and the residents was so positive that the Daisy Project was launched. The Daisy Project has two major goals:
Increase Volunteerism in Nursing HomesVolunteerism in nursing homes lags behind that of other institutions such as hospitals. Multiple psychological barriers exist to volunteering in nursing homes and other settings such as group homes for mentally challenged individuals.
Dogs are the ultimate “courage givers”, “door openers” and “conversation starters”. They can truly make nursing homes and other institutional settings a much more comfortable experience for human volunteers.
The visitation team of a dog and his/her owner is unparalleled in terms of the positive impact on residents of institutions. Residents benefit from making a new human friend. They also get to form a bond with a dog that gives them the unique joy of loving a dog as well as the opportunity to reminisce about the pets in their past.
The Daisy Project provides an opportunity on this web site to document stories of dogs and their owners who have become involved in this important mission. (See Stories and Photos and Submit Your Own )
Provide Resources to Facilities and Dog OwnersMisinformation about requirements for dogs visiting nursing homes abounds. Many dog owners believe that only therapy dogs can visit nursing homes. In addition, nursing homes and other institutional settings do not always recognize the opportunities that dog visitors and their owners represent.
FacilitiesAt a minimum each dog visiting a nursing home should be current on all of their immunizations and be able to provide proof to the nursing home to that effect. Sample Health Certificate is provided via this link.
Each facility will have different guidelines for dog volunteers visiting their facility. These may include programs such as the Canine Good Citizen certificate offered through the American Kennel Club, Therapy Dog International, Therapy Dog Inc., or Delta. We have attached a link to a sample Pet Visitation Policy/Guidelines/Agreement between dog owner and the facility.
Dog OwnersDogs of all shapes and sizes can make good nursing home volunteers. Dogs that visit nursing homes should respond well to new people and act appropriately in groups as well as in one-on-one situations. Dogs should be able to cope well with new settings and experiences.
If your dog has the right temperament and you have the time to regularly take your dog to a nursing home, call a neighboring facility and ask to speak to the Director of Activities.
Arrange a time to visit the facility with your dog to see if it seems to be a good match. If both you and your dog have a comfort level with the facility ask about facility requirements. Once the facility has accepted the dog as a volunteer, the following are suggestions for making visits:
• Initial visits should be short and positive.
• Consider using treats to encourage interaction between dog and residents.
• Dog should be on leash and under control at all times.
• Develop a set routine for visits (taking the same routes, stopping in the same rooms).
• Be prepared to get down on the floor with your dog to help with interaction between dogs and residents.
• Learn the names of residents and use them as dog and residents interact.
• If at all possible, establish a set day and time to make visits.
Dogs respond well when they have a “job”. Being a nursing home volunteer can be their “job”. This can be as fulfilling for the dog as it is for the residents who will invariably fall in love with their new friends.
Your Part
Tax-deductible gifts to The Merriman Good Life Foundation are always appreciated. We accept gifts of cash such as trusts, annuities, wills and bequests. Please make a donation on line or contact us at 330-762-9341, ext. 2215 for more information on giving opportunities. Download Forms: |
