By Ruza Zivkusic
GOLDEN retriever Lily puts a smile on numerous of faces twice a week.
She is a certified Delta Purina pet partner dog and participates in therapy session at the aged-care centres Overton Lea and Dellbridge Gardens in Sydenham.
Lily and her owner, Daniela Theuss, have been visiting disabled and sick residents at the nursing homes for the past year.
It is a job that both of them look forward to each week, Ms Theuss said.
“Lily loves it. As soon as she sees the bandana that I put on her, she switches. She’s a different dog then because she knows that she’s at work,” Ms Theuss said.
Originally from Germany, Ms Theuss moved with her family to Sydenham five years ago.
She said she always wanted to help people at aged care homes because of the memories she had of her own grandmother in Germany, who always looked forward to Ms Theuss’ visits to her aged-care centre.
A trip to the vet encouraged the mother of one to contact Delta Society Australia, the not-for-profit organisation that promotes the positive interaction between people and companion animals.
The Melbourne branch has about 80 volunteers and their dogs visit a wide range of health-care facilities and patients.
Ms Theuss spends up to an hour per visit, where she talks to the patients and lets them pat Lily.
“It’s so fantastic to see their faces lighten up,” she said.
It is a task that Lily feels confident about, as she always knows how to behave with each different patient.
For more information about the program contact Delta Society Australia on 9499 1162.
