This is Amelia’s dog, Ernie, who will be our new in house therapy dog!
Ernie is currently 14 weeks old and has been coming into Castleford since he was 8 weeks old! He is Boston terrier cross pug and is super cute – the residents absolutely love him. It is proven that animal based activities can often improve self-esteem and confidence in people who suffer from dementia. It can also promote quality of life and encourage independence. Visits from an animal can be an energetic experience or an exciting part of a person’s day. Animals can be a wonderful source of love and laughter, and we think this is what Ernie brings to the people here. The pictures below
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The presence of animals can help reduce the effects of dementia by helping reduce anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression and loneliness. With their friendliness and non-threatening ways, pets can help a dementia patient be more interactive, when sometimes they are not able to do so in social settings with other adults.