PET THERAPY IMPROVES RESIDENTS’ WELL-BEINGAT CHESTNUT KNOLL

A furry companion can lower blood pressure, normalize heart rate and reduce stress and anxiety. For seniors with dementia, visits with a therapy dog can be soothing and create a special connection.

Maggie, a 5-year-old golden doodle, is always ready to give her paw and share her golden heart with the residents of Chestnut Knoll.

The certified therapy dog and her owner, Karen Lobascio-Gardner, make weekly visits to the senior living community in Boyertown.

“As soon as Maggie walks down the hall, our residents immediately perk up and are eager to spend time with her,” said Shawn Barndt, executive director of Chestnut Knoll.

Pet therapy is becoming an increasingly popular method of promoting health and wellness among seniors. For Chestnut Knoll residents, the concept of pet therapy has been embraced for quite some time.

In addition to Maggie’s visits, the personal and memory care community is also home to exotic fish, lovebirds, cockatiels and parakeets, and a turtle named Franklin.

Research shows many physical, cognitive and emotional benefits associated with interacting with animals, especially dogs.

A furry companion can lower blood pressure, normalize heart rate and reduce stress and anxiety. For seniors with dementia, visits with a therapy dog can be soothing and create a special connection.

Therapy dogs are also a source of comfort during difficult times. When lockdowns prevented in-person visitations, Maggie, Lobascio-Gardner and Barndt kept the lines of communication open.

During COVID-19 restrictions, Maggie supported her friends at Chestnut Knoll by corresponding letters, cards and window visits.

“It was heartwarming to know they were thinking of us because the residents adore Maggie; she brightens our day,” Barndt said.

Maggie and LobascioGardner became regular visitors in 2018 when they became certified through Therapy Dogs International. The duo has participated in many activities held at Chestnut over the years.

“She seemed to have a natural instinct of how to bring comfort and love to those we visited,” Lobascio-Gardner said when referring to Maggie.

The happy-go-lucky pup’s

COURTESY OF CHESTNUT KNOLL Therapy dogs are a source of comfort during difficult times. During COVID-19restrictions, Maggie and her owner, Karen Lobascio-Gardner, supported their friends at Chestnut Knoll by corresponding letters, cards and window visits.

COURTESY OF CHESTNUT KNOLL Beloved certified therapy dog, Maggie, receives a kiss from a Chestnut Knoll resident during her weekly visit.