MercyCare’s Residential Aged Care facility in Wembley gets weekly visits from Jeb and his owner Marlene Grogan, who recently signed up as a MercyCare volunteer.
Ms Grogan, who has worked in the aged care industry for more than 20 years, said there were great benefits for the elderly in having a dog around.
‘Jeb has the perfect nature for working with older people as well as a real personality,’ she said.
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READ NOW‘There are important benefits to having a dog or other pets around on a continual basis,’ she said.
‘It’s all part of a natural living environment and provides a talking point for residents to reminisce about their own pets such as a farm dog or childhood pet.
‘Having a pet around regularly provides a form of companionship which can ease feelings loneliness and feelings of isolation.’
MercyCare executive director of aged care services Carlo Calogero said Jeb was a fantastic source of companionship for residents.
He said said it was wonderful to see the joy and pleasure Jeb brought to the people he met.