Telford, PA — Lutheran Community at Telford (LCT) and Grace Inspired Living are thrilled to welcome Durkin, a 2-year-old, standard female poodle to serve as a full-time therapy dog for our residents through a partnership with fellow non-profit Tails of Valor®/ Paws of Honor, Inc.
Tails of Valor is a local organization that first began providing service dogs for military veterans suffering from PTSD and other lasting effects from the line of duty. To supplement that initiative, Tails of Valor has created a new program called “Community Canine,” sponsoring certified therapy dogs to be collectively adopted by senior living communities. LCT is proud to be their pilot partner. Durkin is uniquely named after Sergeant Sean M. Durkin, a local soldier in the U.S. Army and 2010 Purple Heart recipient who gave his life at 24 years old serving our country in Afghanistan.
Durkin officially joined the LCT team in the beginning of August. Specially trained staff members within the community’s Activities and Fitness & Wellness departments act as Durkin’s primary “handlers” throughout the workday, incorporating her into their respective programs among walks, treats and pats. However, Durkin may spend time with residents in a variety of different ways; so far, she has provided comfort care to those in hospice, participated in some active games with Personal Care residents and recently took part in a balance class with the LiveWell fitness team. In the evenings and on weekends, Durkin travels home with Nicole Brennan, the Director of Life Enrichment for Grace Inspired Living, where she has multiple puppy siblings to balance out her time spent on campus.
Grace Inspired Living and Tails of Valor®/Paws of Honor, Inc., two 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, have enacted this “purposeful pup” to benefit both residents and staff at LCT by offering emotional support, cognitive engagement and the ability to help foster meaningful social connection and relationships. Durkin’s staff handlers joined Tails of Valor administrator Andrea on Friday, August 15th, in the LCT Auditorium to educate residents about Durkin’s new role in the community, the profound impact of a human-canine bond and how Durkin’s presence can contribute to their overall wellbeing.
Visit Tails of Valor®/ Paws of Honor, Inc.’s official website to learn more about its various programs benefitting U.S. veterans.
