Pet Therapy Brightens Days of Barth Hotel Residents
Every Tuesday just after lunch, residents of the Barth Hotel wait expectantly in the lobby. Just on schedule, Joakie, a 110 pound Golden Retreiver, never fails to satisfy. He bounds into the room, sits calmly by his owner as residents gather, and waits for his weekly dose of adoration. Amazingly, just by receiving this attention Joakie gives back much more to the residents.
As part of their pet therapy program, Joakie and his owner Karen Meyer, bring conversation and connections to the residents. Often a group will sit together and enjoy Joakie’s open appreciation for their attention while remembering past pets in their own lives. A number of people are shy in the beginning, but by the end of a session there’s laughter, jokes and enthusiastic sharing.
The pet therapy sessions have been a wonderful addition to the Barth Hotel calendar of events. If you'd like to learn more about pet therapy programs contact www.denverpetpartners.org.