Husband and wife Clint and Michelle Russouw-Baudoux try and visit Eden Haven as often as possible, with their adopted dogs, in order to bring a smile and ray of happiness to the elderly.
All of their dogs that they take to the retirement home have been adopted from Kitty and Puppy Haven, a rescue centre for animals.
The elderly are often receptive to the animals being there.
“We see our dogs as comfort dogs. The elderly look forward to the visits. They pet the dogs and sometimes talk to them,” said Mrs Russouw-Baudoux.
One of the residents at the home actually takes the dogs for a walk around the the property of Eden Haven.
“There has been a few tearful moments at the home when the dogs are there,” said Mrs Russouw-Baudoux .
“Before moving to Eden Haven, many of the residents used to have dogs but, because they were relocating to a retirement home, they had to give up their dogs,” she said.
The couple visits regularly to let the elderly interact with the dogs.
“The residents really enjoy every visit. The effect of the doggies that come and visit is really priceless. The residents seem to be happy and smiling long after the doggies left,” said Matron Anita Fourie
