Meows and licks give cheer

Published 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 31, 2005

The monthly ‘Pet Show’ boosts spirits of residents at Wyatt House.

Every second Saturday of the month, the residents of Wyatt House Retirement Center get a delivery of furry or fishy love with the “pet show.”

Resident Barbara Dean doesn’t miss a single one.

“I like it very much because they bring dogs,” said Dean, who used to have two dogs. “They make me feel happy. I feel happy because they’re alive and feel good.”

For the last four years, Cross Sound Church has organized pet owners and their pets for once a month visits to the residents of Wyatt House Retirement Center. The pet owners are not limited to the church’s members, but come from all over the community. Visits are from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Although dogs and cats, on leash, visit most frequently, goats, chickens, fish in a bowl and walking stick insects have been known to come, too.

Elena Oguiza, secretary for the church, says the only preference is for pets who are nurturing, cuddly and enjoy engaging with people. On average, five pets come and visit with 15-20 residents each time.

“The residents (who like animals) anticipate it and like to come very much,” said Mildred Eremic, a member of the Wyatt House staff. “Very few (residents) have their pet (at Wyatt House), so they like the contact with the animals.

“It’s an uplifting experience for them.”

Residents who are confined to wheelchairs or limited by Alzheimer’s disease especially enjoy the pet show, Eremic said, because they are less likely to come into contact with animals.

Some residents had pets in the past or had to give them up when they moved to the center.

“It engages people more (than babies and kids),” said Gregg Dawson, a church member who organizes the visits. “I think the pets ignite stories from their past and are consoling.

“(When) some participants hold a cat, it’s almost like they have a hurt inside and the cat gives them some love and comforting.”

Pet owners just have to show up. Dawson says volunteers don’t have to feel any pressure to make conversation.

The pets “are really a good conversation breaker,” Dawson said. “It gives (the residents) something to talk about. They come alive. You see a sparkle in their face and eyes.

“What’s important in life? I haven’t heard people talk about work, it’s their life and pets.”

Some residents come regularly and share photos of former pets or take photos with visiting pets.

Dean knows the names of every pet and his or her owner and sometimes brings treats for the dogs, Dawson said.

His son, 9-year-old Tyler Dawson, has been bringing the family dogs and cat since the program was started in 2001 by church member Michelle Hutchins as an outreach to the residents.

“I like it because they tell stories about their family or their pets,” Tyler said. “I like their expressions as they tell (stories) they have very thoughtful or emotional expressions.”

His calico cat, Beauty, enjoys the visits, too. On pet show days, “she pounces on me then runs around the house and goes into her cat carrier,” Tyler said.

For future shows, Oguiza says the group could use a parrot, a rabbit and a piano player. The next pet show is Sept. 10.

All that’s needed, Oguiza said, is to “bring your pet, a leash and come.”