PAWS WITH PURPOSE Continued from page 7
the staff, she holds her leash in her mouth, goes in and out of their legs, and is much more energetic. It’s good for them too. I’ve noticed that the staff sometimes needs as much therapy as the residents!” Nala is a therapeutic presence in Kevin and Patty’s lives. “She’s like having therapy around all the time,” Kevin laughed. “We take her everywhere with us. And when we are home, she is always by us. She loves the companionship, and so do we.” Now three years old, Nala visits The Arbor and The Springs. Kevin said, “Coming to Shell Point is definitely the highlight of the week.” ■
Gideon and Gizmo Vivian Beauchamp, director of nursing at the Pavilion, has been a proud therapy dog owner since bringing home Gideon, a Maltese, in 2010. Vivian’s husband, Bob, is the dog handler. “I think it was harder to train my husband,” she laughed. “But in all honesty, it’s been a very positive experience for him. He is handicapped and he has truly enjoyed the experience.” In May, they added another Maltese to the mix when they got Gizmo. Each dog offers something different. “At 16 months old, Gizmo is exuberant and a little harder to control. But, he is cuddly and gives lots
Vivian Beauchamp, director of nursing at the Pavilion, and her husband, Bob, take “The Boys,” Gideon (front) and Gizmo (back), to the Pavilion each week.
of puppy kisses. Meanwhile, four-yearold Gideon is a very calming presence to both staff and residents. Even though they have their differences, I believe that both dogs have a special 8
Shell Point Life | September 2013
gift of making people feel better. I have seen residents smile who have not smiled in a long time!” Pavilion residents look forward to “the boys” visiting each Friday. ■