Murfreesboro Post
MURFREESBORO WEATHER

Retired greyhounds bring comfort to AdamsPlace




 

 

AdamsPlace resident Gloria Dockery beamed as she reached out to stroke retired racing greyhounds Quick and Elsie. Dockery raised pugs in Murfreesboro before she became a health care patient so shes been around dogs most of her life. You fall in love with them when you see them, Dockery said with her face lighting up as she enthusiastically described responding to the pets. You cant help it. Owner Nathan Wahl of the Crescent community visits AdamsPlace health care residents regularly. He and the greyhounds visited two patients who didnt seem to move very much. They woke up with they saw the dogs, Wahl said with a smile. I see excitement in their eyes. Kelly Whitworth, director of recreation at AdamsPlace, said many residents had pets in their lives before coming to the health and assistant living center. Having that interaction with pets brings back memories of comfort, Whitworth explained. Petting a dog is very soothing. Its very relaxing. Patients naturally reach out to the dogs. Whatever state of dementia or Alzheimers, it comes natural to pet a dog and enjoy it, Whitworth said. Patients become familiar with dogs and the dogs become familiar with the residents so they all look forward to the visits. Were grateful for people like Nathan, who will share their dogs they care so much about because it brings enjoyment to these residents, Whitworth said. You can tell he loves those dogs. Wahl rescued Elsie and Quick after the greyhounds retired from racing. He has brought the dogs every two weeks to AdamsPlace. Quick is working toward a good citizenship certificate in therapy dog training. Quick is a little more subdued while Elsie seems more enthusiastic with her tail wagging happily. Shes happy and communicates that to the people, Wahl said. Resident Jackie Fritchen always had dogs before she came to AdamsPlace. I like the dogs coming up here and being able to pet them and interact with them, Fritchen said. As she pet the dogs, Dockery shared memories of her pugs. They are so precious, Dockery recalled with a soft tone in her voice. Theyre love, theyre obedient, theyre intelligent. They were very popular little dogs. Wahl said the residents are thankful when they pet Elsie and Quick. Its not necessarily a lot of time it takes but it makes them feel good, Wahl said. Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 615-869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com.

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