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Therapy dog visits bring joy to Village on the Thames residents and staff
Weekly visits from Daisy and handler Wendy uplift spirits and foster connections
6/27/2025
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Deron Hamel
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Regular visits from a St. John Ambulance-certified therapy dog and her handler have been having a positive impact on residents and staff at the Village on the Thames, says team member Diamond Zelina.
Handler Wendy and her dog Daisy have been visiting the Chatham-Kent seniors living community once a week, and everyone eagerly awaits a chance to spend time with the pair, adds Diamond, the Village's fun co-ordinator.
“Wendy and Daisy are very sweet, and Daisy is so amazing with all the residents,” she tells S&R Today.
“They come once a week, and always at the end of the visit, Daisy stops by my office because she knows I have dog treats for her. She sits down so pretty and looks at me very seriously. Treats are serious business for her.”
On its website, St. John Ambulance says there are more than 3,500 of the organization's certified volunteer dogs who visit long-term care homes, retirement communities, hospitals, community centres and other venues across Canada with their handlers.
“The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program is great; it's supported by volunteers who go out to schools and retirement homes and other places to bring these wonderful dogs to (people), because it really is great therapy and brings so many smiles,” Diamond says.
During a recent visit from Wendy and Daisy, co-op student Faith, who was at the Village as part of a class project, helped with the programming. Diamond underscored the difference the trio made to residents.
“All three are amazing and we all love them,” she says. “We are so grateful to have these volunteers and all their hard work.”
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