Wanna see a magic trick? Well, technically, I can’t show it to you as you’re on the other side of the screen, but if you do your best and try to imagine it, I’m sure it’ll work. Are you ready? 3…2…1… A tiny puppy! Did that make you smile? Giggle? Or maybe you’re cringing at this poor excuse of an introduction.
Whichever it is, we can both agree - dogs make everything better. It is a truth much agreed on, and now, in an Australian-first pilot program, rescued greyhounds will provide support and engagement for people living in aged care homes, including residents living with dementia.
Before we dive into the details, dear reader, I’d like to ask you to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments section - do you know of any other initiatives like this? Upvote the story and follow the author to keep the wholesome content coming, and without further ado, let’s get to it!
More info: Instagram | Greyhound Rescue
An Australian-first pilot program will bring together rescued greyhounds and residents at HammondCare’s aged care facilities
Image credits: hammond_care
An Australian-first pilot program will bring together rescued greyhounds and elderly residents at HammondCare’s residential aged care facilities.
The initiative will build upon previous animal-engagement programs with seniors which have shown to greatly improve residents’ quality of life by decreasing loneliness and depression and increasing physical activity and socialization.
It will also include people living with dementia, as studies have shown that caring for an animal provides a source of support, stress relief, and purpose.
As explained by Alzheimers.org, visits from an animal can be an energetic experience or an exciting part of a person’s day, with animals being a wonderful source of love and laughter.
The project, called Hounds Helping Humans, aims to decrease residents’ loneliness and depression and to increase their physical activity and quality of life
Image credits: hammond_care
The project will be called Hounds Helping Humans, and the greyhounds will be carefully chosen for the resident visits. The dogs will come from Greyhound Rescue, a multi-award-winning charity and the largest independent greyhound rehabilitation and rehoming organization in Australia.
The pups will receive training to prepare them for the sounds, sights, activities and equipment (such as wheelchairs and trolleys) they will encounter in an aged care environment. The training will also encompass communication techniques to encourage meaningful connection between the greyhounds and the residents.
At the moment, there are 13 hound and handler volunteer teams who are visiting three different care homes, with most homes getting a couple of visits per week.
Visits from an animal can be an energetic experience or an exciting part of a person’s day, with animals being a wonderful source of love and laughter
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
The Hounds Helping Humans is only one of many projects that sit under the broader initiative, called the Life Engagement Project. Its main aim is to provide more opportunities for residents to pursue interests and hobbies in various areas, such as the visual arts, music, sports and animal interaction.
Greyhound Rescue volunteers have taken some greyhounds to mental health and aged care facilities previously. Shelley Tinworth, who is visiting care homes with her hound Jessi, stated: “Many older folks tell us about their animals growing up, and it got me to thinking how hard it must be for those in supported care not to have that connection any longer. When this program was announced, I thought Jessi would be perfect as she has so much love to give, and is always happy to receive that back in return.”
Horsley resident Thelma Connaughton, 83, spoke affectionately about greyhound LB, short for Long Black, after spending some time with her at the launch of the Hounds Helping Humans program. “She is just so lovely, so beautiful - absolutely beautiful!"
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
The greyhounds will be trained to prepare for the sounds, sights, and equipment - wheelchairs and trolleys - they’ll encounter in an aged care environment
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
Bored Panda spoke with Greyhound Rescue President Nat Panzarino, who explained that the inspiration for the project came from one of her own greyhounds, Joey, who sadly passed away last year. "He was an ambassadog for Greyhound Rescue for seven years and had a very special way of connecting with people, even people who weren't 'dog people,'" she said.
"He had a quiet way about him and always knew who needed him to be there. I enrolled him in a therapy dog program and we visited the mental health unit at a major Sydney hospital for a couple of years."
She realized that "if one greyhound could bring so much joy and comfort," the impact of a whole program involving greyhounds could be astounding.
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
The training also encompasses communication techniques to facilitate meaningful connections between the greyhounds and the residents
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
Nat believes that this initiative, "apart from bringing a lot of joy to a lot of people, will be to show greyhounds in a different light." Considering the fact that people associate greyhounds with the racing industry, it will be able to show how gentle and incredible these dogs really are, especially when it comes to providing company for people in wheelchairs or those confined to beds.
"We do hope to expand the program beyond aged care and into the mental health sector, and to work with other marginalized and vulnerable communities." she said. “What better way to share the magic with more people than bringing greyhounds to where they are really needed - to brighten the lives of people craving connection and companionship.”
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
Let’s dive a little deeper into the nature of greyhounds, shall we? According to the Greyhound Trust, the pups make great pets for all kinds of individuals and families. They are low-maintenance, gentle and laid-back dogs that are happy to just doze off next to you, with their legs high in the air, chasing cloud bunnies.
They don’t require too much exercise and are perfectly happy with two twenty-minute walks a day. Greyhounds are built for speed, not stamina, and use up their energy in short bursts. The breed tends to be very intelligent, affectionate and calm, getting along very well with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
HammondCare CEO Mike Baird believes that meaningful involvement with everyday life is crucial to everyone's wellbeing. “I am delighted that one part of this Life Engagement Pilot is evaluating how animal engagement and support can improve quality of life for residents,” he said.
“What a wonderful outcome if rescued greyhounds can be given a new purpose providing happiness for those who are older in the community.”
As stated by their website, their "passion is improving quality of life for people in need." If you'd like to support HammondCare initiatives, there is a link here.
Greyhound Rescue President Nat Panzarino believes that greyhounds are the perfect breed for the job due to their gentle nature and tall physique
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
Nat believes that "if you have a vision and you know that you're on to something special, then pursue it."
"Without the support of so many wonderful people in the Greyhound Rescue community, we wouldn't have been able to get this program off the ground, and the efforts and enthusiasm of an organization like HammondCare was exactly what we needed to bring the idea to life," she said.
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
The pilot is set to be introduced into HammondCare’s residential aged care homes in a few months, and we’re sure it’ll be a start to something special
Image credits: greyhoundrescue
Although the pilot program is starting with visits only, Nat believes that there is "the possibility of rehoming greyhounds into facilities permanently."
The rescue aims to find loving forever homes for greyhounds no longer wanted by the racing industry. Nat explained that they "rely on fundraising and donations, as well as on volunteers." If you’d like to support their cause, you can find a link here.
The Hounds Helping Humans pilot is set to be introduced into HammondCare’s residential aged care homes in the coming months. A review of the benefits of the program will follow, but we’re sure it’ll be the beginning of something truly special.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and I wish you all a splendid day!
People have loved this idea, sharing their own experiences of bringing pets to aged care homes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
