Companion Dog Program
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Happy Tails Dog Rescue has recently started a Companion Dog Program in the Boynton Beach, Florida area. This program works to pair lonely elderly individuals together with loving dogs for a day (no more than 3 hours each day). Anyone with a dog who has a calm, loving, gentle disposition is eligible for this program. Dogs are never left alone with participating individuals and are accompanied by a volunteer and, often times, will require their owners to be present as well. This program is ideal for dogs who are normally home alone for long hours during the day and would enjoy the companionship as well.
Happy Tails has dedicated a team of volunteers, lead by Paula Ferstandig, leading this initiative. The assisted living facilities that are currently working with us are Barrington Terrace and Brookdale Assisted Living both located in Boynton Beach, Florida. If you have a dog(s) who you think would be a good match for this program, please contact Paula at (516) 225-8517 or via email at [email protected]. 
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A Successful Start with Barkley at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility
The Companion Dog Program, recently launched by Happy Tails Dog Rescue and led by volunteer team leader Paula Ferstandig, is off to a great start! The program got its official start Thursday, 1/21/16 at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility in Boynton Beach. Companion dog, Barkley, a young black lab, together with his owner Robyn Rittersporn and volunteer Paula Ferstandig, made people's day and put smiles on their faces at Brookdale.
Barkley, wearing his Happy Tails scarf (handmade by Paula), was responsible for engaging and interacting with the participants. Barkley's interaction especially helped the dementia and Alzheimer residents become receptive and interactive throughout his visit. They began talking to and engaging in conversation with Barkley which is a type of "constructive" therapy for these residents. Companion dogs, like Barkley, are able to provide that healing touch and attention that only animals seem to have the ability to provide. As for Barkley, he is now part of the Brookdale staff on a weekly basis!
Barkley, wearing his Happy Tails scarf (handmade by Paula), was responsible for engaging and interacting with the participants. Barkley's interaction especially helped the dementia and Alzheimer residents become receptive and interactive throughout his visit. They began talking to and engaging in conversation with Barkley which is a type of "constructive" therapy for these residents. Companion dogs, like Barkley, are able to provide that healing touch and attention that only animals seem to have the ability to provide. As for Barkley, he is now part of the Brookdale staff on a weekly basis!
