'Licks and Hugs' program gratifies Oakmonte seniors
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June 8, 2018
Animal visits stimulate seniors to talk about pets they had as children, notes Jackie Jones McAleer, a volunteer for Pet Rescue by Judy. Jackie is holding Siamese kitten Darla, the hit of the day among the seniors.
Everyone knows that dogs make great companions. But they also make great visitors, as seniors living at the Oakmont Village in Lake Mary are pleased to discover month after month.
"I'm his best friend." That's what this lovable mutt appears to be thinking, resting in the lap of Sienna Activities Director Karen Teixeria.
As part of the "Licks and Hugs" program sponsored by The Jewish Pavilion, dogs provided by Pet Rescue by Judy visit residents monthly. "It's a wonderful program," noted Karen Teixeira, the activities director at Oakmonte's Sienna Memory Care community. "The seniors really enjoy the unconditional love from the animals."
On a recent Tuesday, Jackie Jones McAleer, who has been volunteering for Pet Rescue by Judy for five years, was one of the volunteers who brought over five dogs and a Siamese kitty named Darla.
"Darla is tiny and lovable. They (the seniors) just loved holding her," McAleer said.
To volunteer to take part in the "Licks and Hugs" program, contact the Jewish Pavilion at 407-678-9363. For more information on the animals at Pet Rescue by Judy, visit http://www.petrescuebyjudy.com.
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