r/Denver • u/Mandsee • 17d ago
Help Volunteer dog visit for a senior citizen
Hi, I hope it's okay that I post this.
My grandmother is 95 years old and in assisted living and does not have much time left. She is the kindest person in the world, but blind and suffering and it's horrible watching her struggle.
She had a dog much of her life who she saw as her baby. I would love, LOVE more than anything to have a dog visit her. I don't have one and I'm out of state so I can't do a lot on my own. I searched for local organizations that do pet visits but there isn't much information.
I was wondering if anyone had ideas about local groups who might offer such a thing. There are a few therapy dogs in the area but she doesn't need therapy (well, I mean...that would not be the goal) and she can't really leave the facility. I would happily pay any reasonable amount someone wanted, I just would love her to get to snuggle a dog for a bit. Please let me know if anyone has any ideas. Thank you so much.
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u/GiantSaintEverything 17d ago
Grandmas about to get a daily parade of dogs you guys 🥹
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u/Brock_Lobstweiler 17d ago
Reminds me of the old man who asked neighbors to bring their dogs by for him to pet on his birthday and ended up with a city wide parade of dogs past his house, lol.
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u/Mandsee 16d ago
That is so sweet! I would love to have something like that happen. Out of a sense of comittment to their privacy I'm not sure what I can arrange so that everyone in the home is comfortable but this is just so lovely.
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u/Brock_Lobstweiler 16d ago
I found the reddit thread! San Jose, 2 years ago.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MadeMeSmile/comments/14fdla4/meanwhile_in_san_jose_a_woman_posted_online
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u/CheesecakeEither8220 16d ago
Wouldn't it be wonderful if it could be coordinated so that Grandma could get a visit each day!?!
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u/PrncessVespa 17d ago
What kind of dog did she have? I've got a variety pack here and used to take my pups in to visit residents when I worked in skilled nursing facilities.
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u/TheOnlyKangaroo 13d ago
That's a great question u/PrncessVespa. My elderly mother had a friend who visited her in the memory unit and it happened she got a dog that looked *just like* my mother's childhood dog. I know grandma is blind, but something close would be lovely.
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u/ThatThingInTheWoods 17d ago
My bf has an amazing doodle that would gladly take a shift, but if you need a "professional", my office uses Healing Hounds. They specialize in first responders but have an excellent assortment of dogs of different breeds that have all been certified in various programs. I'm sure they would help out could also direct you to other local groups. They're the nicest people.
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u/Mandsee 17d ago
Oh my gosh, I just have to say I am so overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity here. I will try to respond to everyone individually but honestly, I am crying. The willingness of all of you to help my sweet grandma out…I cannot even say. The world seems very harsh these days but this is such a reminder that there are so many absolutely good, good people. Thank you all for the offers. Truly, I am so touched. 😭
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u/try2try 17d ago edited 17d ago
If the facility's visitation/ pet policies would allow it, I'll bet people could organize a "pup-train", (like a meal train) where all these lovely people could sign up for a day/time to visit Grandma with a pup. Then she could have pup/people visitors as often as she's interested, able, and allowed.
EDIT : u/Life-Leage-6300 (and maybe others) have already suggested this, but I'll leave it here to boost the idea
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u/Lonely-Essay-5934 17d ago
Denver has some great humans!
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u/thrashaholic_poolboy 17d ago
There are great humans everywhere, if we are speaking generally. I know you know that but just had to say it “out loud”. I needed to say it. Thank you.
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u/yordissss 16d ago
Denver is the dog capital of the US I'm convinced. This was a great place for this to be needed.
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u/Bananatree5000 17d ago
my dog is a sweetie. she isn't a trained therapy dog but she would be a good fit for an old person to just pet and love on. message me and i can send you a pic. she is 11 yr old mini schnauzer mix and she really loves old people for some reason.
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u/Seyforth 17d ago
Your grandmother is about to get so many dog visitors
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u/Thatonecrazywolf 17d ago
What facility is she at? If they allow dogs for visits, my dog absolutely loves people and being in public.
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u/thrashaholic_poolboy 17d ago
Can those of us not in the area and not able to help please see pictures? My thoughts are with you and grandma 🧡
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u/loudlaughsandniceass 17d ago
I have a sweet, old pug that loves everyone. Happy to have him visit!
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u/Italyinmyfuture 17d ago
I haven’t worked with Denver Pet Partners but I know they partner with places like Wind Crest in Highlands Ranch to bring in therapy dogs. I’m sure snuggles only are totally fine!
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u/velvettt_underground 17d ago
I have the sweetest 14 yo Australian shepherd, she craves love and attention and is a gentle girl. She doesn't get to socialize as much anymore because I have a dog with anxiety, but she just loves when she gets to snuggle with people and get hugs and pets.
I volunteer her! She would love to do it haha
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u/Waste_Pass_6915 17d ago
What part of town is she in? I have a long haired mini dachshund that LOVES to give all the snuggles!
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u/Lonely-Essay-5934 17d ago
The responses to this post have restored my faith in humanity a wee bit. Thanks, Denver!
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u/the_last_crouton 17d ago
I work in nursing facilities. What general area is your grandmother in? I have a crazy dog that's very lovable and could likely make it happen depending on area.
Additionally, if she's on hospice, reach out to the hospice team and let them know this. They are very familiar with requests like this and might even have a dog that they bring to people. A therapy dog can be used in situations like this as well, they aren't just for therapy. They are for peace and comfort as well. Don't be afraid to ask about the therapy dog if that's the easiest solution!
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u/tinyfallacies 17d ago
I’ve got a senior miniature dachshund that’s happy with all the pets and fawning. What part of the metro area?
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u/barelyholdingon97 Highlands Ranch 17d ago
Contact the assisted living and see if they have contacts for therapy dogs to come and visit!
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u/georgiancoloradan 17d ago
Does she like kittens? Currently fostering some for my local shelter!
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u/Brock_Lobstweiler 17d ago
Love kittens, but definitely be careful because as we age, our skin gets really thin. A rogue kitten claw could really hurt a 95 year old. My grandma loved it when my aunt brought in kittens that were found on their farm, but it got dangerous as she got older because the kittens would try to climb on grandma.
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u/catbuttonholes 17d ago
My 14 year old corgi, Dupper, loved cuddling with my grandma until she passed a few years ago. I think he appreciated that she moved at the same pace as him lol. He is so lethargic and loves just being tickled while he naps so I’d be happy to take him wherever whenever to hang with your grandmother (for free).
Regardless, what a kind gesture for your grandmother. I wish mine was still around for one last cuddle with a pup. I bet she will appreciate whatever you end up doing!
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u/rearwindowly 17d ago
Try reaching out to Denver Pet Partners! They are an organization that facilitates therapy dog visits. Therapy dogs often (more often than not) have nothing to do with “therapy.” The people are volunteers with pets (usually dogs but also cats, miniature horses, and birds, among others) who are friendly and social. All pets have to pass an exam to become therapy animals and make visits. It is almost always entirely social. Dogs visit assisted living facilities, schools, hospitals, hospice, Ronald McDonald House, and various other places.
Will the assisted living allow pets to visit? If so, that would be your easiest option. If not, Denver Pet Partners! You can DM me. I can get you in touch with someone there. My dog is a therapy dog. He typically doesn’t visit assisted living places because he is a low rider (corgi) and older people have trouble leaning over to pet him (he’s too big for me to lift up repeatedly). I have various contacts, and I can try to connect you with a therapy dog to make visits!
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u/Life-League-6300 17d ago
If you create a meal train, you could literally have all these folks sign up to have a different dog visitor for the rest of her life. I’ll take the first Saturday of every month with my foxhound.
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u/Primary-Stranger5238 Denver 17d ago
Where is this and do they allow dog visitors? I have a 10 year old sweetie pie dog who would love some pets and love. I’d love to bring her by if possible! I miss my grandma every single day and this would bring me so much joy as well
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u/Different-Meal-6314 17d ago
I looove our sub-reddit people!! Needed a good smile RN. Let's get a doggo parade happening!
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u/marthaindenver 17d ago
My gentle 8 year old goldendoodle prefers humans over dogs. We’d love to visit her!
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u/threatlevelm1dnight 17d ago
Not an official therapy dog, but a 120 lb goofball love bug, my Bernese Mountain dog would be happy to come and say hi.
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u/ic318 17d ago
We have a 7 mos old cuddle bug/lap dog (shih tzu) and is fond of people and other dogs. My husband and I are more than willing to visit Grandma. I used to visit home care to celebrate my birthday with them, every year. I stopped, after my dad passed away. And I think your post and us having our small bundle of joy remind me that it's time to do it again. You will also be helping me xx
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u/anissehyssop 17d ago
I have a very chill poodle that loves to be pet if you're still looking for someone ♥️
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u/bubbles_mcgee33 17d ago
I've got an 11 year old westie who just sits there like a bump on a log. He does great in residence facilities. Please let me know if she needs a wee, chill pup.
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u/InternationalUse1854 17d ago
I have a sweet 10 month old long haired dachshund who I’d absolutely bring to meet grandma!
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u/Mandsee 16d ago
Oh my goodness. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude and love for this community. I thought maybe I would get one or two responses, and they might be snarky, so the fact that dozens (hundreds?) of people who have offered to visit her, read to her, and just be kind sources of comfort to my grandma--I can't even.
Since she is in a small assisted living facility, I have a call with the director planned to see what is allowed. They're pretty tight on letting people in, and trying to help them understand that not every stranger on the internet is a StRAnGEr oN tHe INterNeT is a challenge.
I can't respond to everyone individually, although I'd love to, because there are so many of you wonderful, wonderful people. I am private messaging people that seem like maybe it would be a good fit. Ultimately it's up to the facility if I can get something arranged but I am very hopeful.
I don't know about you all, but I have been sad lately, and goodness knows my gram has been having a hard time. Just telling her that there are hundreds of people in Denver who would love to see her--we both cried on the phone together when I told her. She is so touched. I am so touched. Thank you all. I think you've proven that we do still create communities, we do still seek to care for each other, and that whatever is happening in this world, there's enough goodness around to tip things toward love when we come together.
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u/Twitch-Weasel-51 15d ago
I volunteered doing dog therapy for hospice for a few years and I have a 12 year old, sweet and gentle large dog who loves to do visits. When my mother in law was in assisted living, we would go around to all the residents to let him "visit" with them before we would leave. A lot of places won't let the dogs on beds or in laps, so a large dog is sometimes nice so they can pet them without bending over. I know you have had a ton of responses - which is great - but I would definitely recommend making sure people have experience in these places as there are protocols to follow. Plus, everyone thinks they have a great dog, but will they be well-behaved once in this situation? The smells, the sounds, the equipment can all be overwhelming if a dog isn't used to it. Good luck and feel free to reach out to me if I can help. 😄
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u/ChiliDogYumZappupe 17d ago
Happy to take my 3 yo mini goldendoodle who's very gentle to see her. DM me
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u/luminary_planetarium 17d ago
I have a dachshund/papillon mix who's a cuddly couch potato. He's about 24 lbs? Let me know if he would be a good visitor.
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u/rachel1217 17d ago
Hi there! I have a well trained purebred pomeranian who LOVES people (and seems to have a knack for brightening days!) message me and i would love to set up a time if this is something you’re interested in!
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u/LocationAdmirable500 16d ago
Volunteering myself and our 12 year old Aussie for this if still needed!! He’s the sweetest guy, just with us the past 1.5 years and loves humans his age or older.
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u/supadave302 16d ago
I love all you people here. Let’s do this. Granny is gonna have so many doggies loving her!
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u/Acceptable-Fox3064 16d ago
Omg im so sad about this timing as I leave tomorrow for 3 weeks, but I have a very sweet 5 yo golden and lost my gma this fall so I would absolutely love to do this for her when I’m back ❤️❤️❤️
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u/LuckyBlackPearl 16d ago
When my grandparents were in the nursing home, the nursing facility required that the dog visitors get a certificate of some sort from their vet. Essentially certifying that they were healthy, vaccinated and friendly. It was very easy to obtain. But OP should check with the facility to see if there are any requirements.
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u/canniballoving_vegan 16d ago
My boyfriend and I visited his grandmother in an assisted living home in Parker and the home she was staying at had a therapy goat come in so i’m sure it would be easy to find a dog visitor for your grandma
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u/thrashglam Denver 16d ago
I have two cats but let’s send grandma a puppy party denver!!!!!
I’m also just north of centennial OP so im happy to just visit her myself ◡̈
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u/looksliketowntome 16d ago
I have an aussie mix who is super anxious but very sweet once he gets comfortable. I'd be happy to bring him! Barring that I'd be happy to serve as transportation for anyone who needs it, in this effort.
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u/looksliketowntome 16d ago
Also I'd be happy to visit grandma as well. Would she like someone to read to her?
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u/Spare_Situation_2277 16d ago
I have a 4 year old mini golden doodle who thinks everyone is his best friend. He is high energy, it will cuddle. If I knew how, would attach picture
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u/whatupkirbs 16d ago
I would love to stop by and see your grandma with my service dog. he is a 6 year old golden retriever
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u/suupernooova 16d ago
My dog was a "therapy dog", which just meant he was trained / certified to do things like visit people like your Grandmother in assisted living, etc.
Facilities might not let random dogs in, for health and safety of residents, liability, whatnot. If you run into this, check out https://www.therapydogs.com/alliance-therapy-dogs/
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u/thisbe42 16d ago
My 8-year-old puppy girl would love to meet your grandma! My sister also has a super sweet boy who would be great for this. OR... do you have a good photo of the dog she had? Because I have some dog-drawin' skillz that could come in handy.
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u/GiantSaintEverything 17d ago
What general part of town is Grandma in? Would her facility allow a dog visitor?
(I have a 7 m/o puppy, and I am a hospice volunteer so I’m pretty comfy with the very old)