Pet therapy brings joy to residents

While Scrappy makes his rounds, jumping onto beds, leaning in for pats and stealing the occasional biscuit, Barrie and Trish take the time to chat with each resident.

“They need a dog fix,” Trish said.

“Scrappy responds really well to people.”

The couple began volunteering at Harmony Village a few years ago after a friend suggested involving Scrappy.

“It was hard going at first, but we saw a need and persisted,” Barrie said.

“Building connections with the people here has been a highlight.

“It’s easy to get isolated as you get older.”

For the residents, Scrappy’s visits fill a gap that is hard to articulate, especially as many have left behind pets to move into aged care.

Trish added that not all residents receive regular visitors, making small moments of connection even more important.

Having experienced the loss of a son, Barrie and Trish understand the quiet comfort animals can bring.

“Animals have a special connection with people,” Trish said.

“It’s not something you can quantify.”

Volunteering has now become a central part of life for the retired couple, who have previously helped with Meals on Wheels and school reading programs.

“Volunteering is rewarding, there’s no doubt about it,” Barrie said.

“We have been blessed with so much, now we can afford to be generous with our time,” Trish said.

For Scrappy, his visits to Harmony Village are always exciting.

He beelines to Barbara’s room every week, knowing she will sneak him a biscuit.

“He loves being patted, lying on beds and looking for food under people’s chairs,” Barrie said.

“I don’t have a dog; he has a person,” he added with a smile.

And for the residents, those visits have become something to look forward to.

– HAILEY WIGHT