On the 4th Wednesday of every month, the Lend A Paw (LAP) program goes to the Santa Clarita Adult Day Health Care Center to visit between 20 and 40 physically and/or mentally impaired adults. This past Wednesday, March 23rd, Ash, Daisy, Lexee and their handlers Lisa, Jim and Chellee were greeted by over 20 individuals who were eager to interact with the dogs!
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| This client is posing for a photo with Ash. |
By providing quality care in an enriching and safe environment, the Santa Clarita Adult Day Health Care Center helps delay or prevent premature placement of these functionally impaired adults in a nursing home. The Center promotes socialization and stimulation which is exactly what therapy dogs provide, making the Lend A Paw program a perfect partner.
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| Little Daisy got lots of attention from this gentleman. |
The clients are happy to get hugs and kisses from the dogs and also enjoy the handlers conversation.
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| Lexee was happy to oblige when this lady asked for a kis |
Some of the adults who attend the Center regularly, brought their own cameras to take photos of the dogs! Others were so eager to meet the LAP teams that they kept getting up from their seats to walk over from one dog to the other. They also enjoyed reminiscing about past pets and talking about dog care.
Time went pretty fast and before long, the staff of the Center came in and told everyone that it was time to say good bye. The dogs gave their final hugs and kisses and the clients waved reluctantly as the Lend A Paw teams departed, promising to come back and visit next month.
To see more photos from the visit, click here.
Story and Photos by Nathalie Seguin
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