Horse and Dog visit Rose Village to put a smile on the faces of residents
ROOSEVELT PARK – A majestic horse and an adorable dog is enough to put a smile on anyone's face.
A horse and dog’s visit ensured some joy for the hearts of local retirees.
Imagine waking up to find a horse galloping outside your home followed by the cutest little dog whose tummy almost brushes the ground.
This is exactly what the residents of Rose Village were treated to on 23 July as the Arjo team (supplier of products and service for the transfer, hygiene, disinfection, prevention of injuries for senior citizens and many other medical supplies) visited them with Maverick the horse and Sally the dog for some animal therapy and interaction.
Accompanied by their handlers and friends Mark Bates and Kara Montgomery, the pair of four-legged creatures strolled through Rose Village putting a smile on every face they came across.
According to Phillip Hulse, manager of Rose Village, the plan to bring the two to the village lined up with the beliefs of the Methodist Homes Associations (MHA).
He explained, “We did this to give the residents of Rose Village some sort of uplift. As MHA we believe that animal therapy and interaction goes a long way in maintaining peace and happiness which falls part of the ethos here.”
Hulse was pleased to see all the residents coming out of their units to meet the majestic Maverick and adorable Sally. Many shared tales of their previous engagements with such animals while taking all the photos and videos they could.
The residents of Rose Village were all excited and happy to see and pet both Maverick and Sally.
The Lockharts said they are very grateful Hulse is always coming up with ways to keep the residents happy and entertained, even during lockdown.
Vernan Lockhart said, “There are more than 150 units here and Phillip does anything he can to keep very single one of us happy.
“Just being able to organise such a visit for us is just one of the many things he does to look after us and we admire him for it.”
He added that it’s all the effort put in by Hulse and the Rose Village team that make the village feel like a retirement centre and not an old age home.
Mark Bates of Arjo, stated that both Maverick and Sally had a blast. He said, “They say horses can see your aura and if you are tense but Maverick can see the people here are friendly and loving and that’s why he was so social today.”
Seeing the joy in the resident’s eyes as they pet Sally also confirmed that the therapy achieved its mission.
