Pet therapy

Some nursing homes have pet therapists that bring animals to visit the residents.
Actually, some nursing homes will let you bring in a pet, but they prefer one that is well trained so that it doesn't jump up on people, etc. Some require specially trained dogs. I see more and more staff members bringing a dog with them, usually on a slow weekend day. That way is best, then the dog has an office of some place to get away from people, and some relief from having to please dozens of people. The constant feeding of snacks is a problem, too. It doesn't work very well for a dog to live in a nursing home. However, some homes will let a resident bring her cat. I brought probably the first facility cat in, at least in this county, years ago, probably in 1982 or so. The other activity person had left and one of the residents was so attached to her that we got her a kitten to distract her. The lady was developmentally mentally disabled (but smart as a whip). We used to call it retardation. The cat worked well because she skirted around the room if there were lots of people, not rubbing on legs or tripping people. She slept in Annie's room and Annie fed her. The cat lived for 19 years. I guess a person could take in a little gentle dog for a certain friend. Family sometimes bring in the animals the residents left behind, for a visit. Then others always want to see the animal. Just remember there is a liability consideration, too.