Stephanie works at the St Charles Nursing Home

 in Schiltigheim with Elton,

her  four-legged co-worker .

Thank you so much Kristin and Myriam for translation

Elton des Fields de Ora (Lux. JCh. Dewmist Servantes x Briny des Fields de Ora) helps his master, Stephanie. The companions work together inside and outside of the Nursing Home.

Elton is now 1 year old, and already works as a pro. Let‘s get ready for 1 hour and a  half of work. Today let‘s visit the residents in the rooms and hallways. Let‘s take the elevator: to the 3^rd floor.

First room: Mrs. Helene B. is petting me ,calling me by my name „Oh Elton“ because I am very famous here, and all the elderly people recognize me.

It was proven that a dog around sick people would reduce stress, anxiety, and aggressiveness.

Elton, who is only a young dog, knows already the difference between playing outside with people or his two-legged friends, and working inside the Nursing Home with the residents.

He knows how to be sweet, patient. When a person invites him to come on the bed, Elton is careful and does it smoothly.

Some of the residents who have a hard time to talk , wake up, and participate to the activities with a lot of happiness.

Ball games and brushing are great moments of tenderness. The experience is liberating.

Elton knows he has to be patient, and not just jump on the ball. He waits for the person to be ready, and takes the ball smoothly .He is cautious of the fragility of   the residents.

„I am waiting“

„I am taking it smoothly“

 „now it is for me“

Let‘s try now with another patient who knows animals very well because she used to work for The Humane Society.

„Oh How beautiful and nice you are, Elton!“

„I deserve to be pet“

„When I have to , I know how to be patient“

„For my next resident, I have to be even more careful because she is 100 years old.“

I am gently presenting  her  the paw

Oh Elton how sweet you are! I ‘ ll throw you the ball  and you bring it back to me.

OK Elton, give it back to me now!

Spontaneous and sincere, the dog reassures. He helps  others interact ,  feel alive again, and have a goal. He helps the residents feel  secure; he fills a gap.

These activities , done several times a week individually or in group, give the residents something to look forward to, and maintain alertness. The residents often wait for Elton.

In a group, everyone pays attention to Elton. The residents are happy.

„Hello Elton, do you want to jump on my lap?“

Elton knows perfectly this exercise ,and does it smoothly. He jumps slowly on the resident‘s lap.

Let‘s play ball now!

Give me the ball, Elton!

That‘s good! How sweet you are!

Bye Elton, see you on Monday!

After 1 hour and a half of work, you deserve a break!

"But i'll call the lift"

I am going to get my present today because it is my birthday,  I am 1 year old.

Here is your present ,Elton, Happy Birthday!

A well-deserved break!

To be  a therapy dog , the animal must be easy going. He must have a gentle ,sociable, obedient nature.

There are no rules against having animals in a Nursing Home. It is the manager‘s decision . Most of them refuse. That is too bad especially when we can notice the positive effects on the residents.

We would like to expand our services and introduce our dogs in Homes for children with social problems.

To continue…