Two to 3 times a week, Dr. Grizzly Bear, likewise called Grizzly or Grizzly Bear, gets up and places on his “uniform” to bring happiness and laughter to the GreenFields of Geneva senior living neighborhood.
Grizzly Bear is a 4-year-old mini Goldendoodle and a qualified treatment dog. He received his accreditation 2 years back from WoofBeach in Geneva, and since, he has actually been brought into GreenFields to get in touch with the neighborhood. Whenever he goes to go to the homeowners, he wears his “uniform,” which is an unique treatment dog vest.
“[Grizzly Bear] always had a very calm and loving demeanor,” said Leslie Paquette, Grizzly Bear’s owner and the life services supervisor at GreenFields. “I thought he would make a good therapy dog.”
Along with being a treatment dog, Grizzly Bear went through basic obedience training and received his Canine Good Citizen accreditation. His training and accreditations have actually assisted him communicate with the GreenFields homeowners.
“He helps more than just the residents,” Paquette said. “He also visits with the associates. He brings joy and makes people feel happy and relaxed. People love to pet him.”
GreenFields’ homeowners have actually learnt more about Grizzly Bear and some will even ask for to go to with him. Paquette will often bring Grizzly to other assisted living neighborhoods in the location.
He appears to unwind all the homeowners he checks out with.
“Residents look for him or ask for him a lot,” Paquette said. “He’s a nice morale boost for everyone. Just as many staff members want to see him as residents do. When people are with him, they’ll talk about their day and lovingly talk about their own pets. They’ll say, ‘I need therapy,’ and will just pet him and talk to him. He brings joy.”
Jane Blazek, a citizen of GreenFields, has actually bonded with Grizzly Bear and discovers his business relaxing. She attempts to see him a couple days a week for about 10-15 minutes.
“He is a lifesaver,” Blazek said. “He makes me laugh. I’ll go down and say ‘I need to see Grizzly Bear.’ Him and Leslie have both helped me.”
Blazek has actually discovered talking with Grizzly Bear and providing him treats to be unwinding. He will frequently being in the homeowners’ laps and reduce stress and anxiety. His calm behavior has actually benefited spreading out happiness and joy throughout the neighborhood, according to Blazek.
“I told Leslie ‘He’s the most important living being in this building,’” Blazek said. “He’s so good with people. I’ll tell you, he’s really good to have around here.”
