Dogs enhancing quality of life for Christian Care residents

Jun. 25—It could be said the adage "the place has gone to the dogs" has come true in a marvelous way at Christian Care Communities in Corbin. Our statewide mission is to enhance the journey of life for older adults, but this is not just a slogan we only spread across our walls or website; this is something we strive to share with our seniors and families every day. The enhancement want to highlight is our love for two of our favorite canine visitors and volunteers. Once a month, Olivia Callahan and her therapy dog Eben, better known as "Eb", visit every room and the dining halls on each floor leaving behind smiles and fun encounters. These visits are highly anticipated by both our residents as well as team members. It has even been said that "to experience the full effect Eb has on everyone, you would need to be here in person and see Eb and Olivia in action".

Most days Olivia and Eb start the day off with our Assistant Activities Director Pam Barns on the 2nd floor of residents in short-term rehab and then make their way up to the 3rd floor where community members are in long-term care. Recently on one of the days Eb and Olivia were visiting with Chaplain Sherman Ramsey on the 2nd floor preparing for a worship service, suddenly he heard a sweet little resident wheeling into the room asking everyone she passed "Where is Eb? Where did Eb go?". Eventually getting over to Sherman and asking, "Chaplain, have you seen that big brown dog?"

Sherman wasn't sure where Eb was at the time but he was sure they would find her together. The two sat down taking a moment to talk about how lovely Eb is and the resident's memories with her own dogs from years prior.

Eventually Sherman and the resident learned that Eb had already made her way up to the 3rd floor. Together they found Eb and Olivia, laughing and smiling when everyone was reunited. This story touches hearts, but the love within it is not uncommon. Studies have shown that spending time with animals can decrease stress levels, lower blood pressure, boost immunity and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Our residents and staff members alike all have a special place for our furry visitor and his companion. When asked about Eb and Olivia here is what our community members say:

Mona Davidson shared, "They make me feel so happy and loved."

"Before I became a resident here, I always had several animals in my home. Having dog therapy with Eb brings back all of the warmth and loving feelings in my heart," said Reah John.

The feeling must be mutual because Olivia expressed, "My favorite part about visiting residents and staff is getting to see all their reactions to Eb every time he walks into their rooms."

"We cherish the relationships that have been built and the radiant happiness we see from our residents when Olivia and Eb come to visit," said Janet Lovitt, Executive Director.

A second source of smiles around pet therapy is the new Annual Dog Show hosted by Christian Care in Corbin. Last year, Jamie Gentry and Pam Barns in our Activities Department helped to showcase all the incredible pets our independent living residents and staff have in their homes by launching the idea for a Community Dog Show! Each entire resident and staff member with their furry companion take two laps by the judges and shows off their tricks, bows, or collars and of course just how cute they are! For 2024, the Dog Show winners are: 1st place — Bella Blue owned by Mary Lawson, 2nd place — Poppy owned by Kristen Rains, and 3rd place — Jazy owned by Shanda Stevens.