At first thought, one may think that a dog weighing more than a hundred pounds may not be the ideal animal to bring comfort to senior citizens. Think about it, if a dog that size would start running around a nursing facility, it would certainly have no problem easily knocking down slow and frail older people. But when you look at a Great Pyrenees, you might just have second thoughts about that image.
The Great Pyrenees is a very lovable canine breed, and they certainly look it. They may be significant in size, but they can be very docile. In fact, they are well known to be fantastic family dogs and can be trusted to be around kids. So when a dog owner decided to have his own Great Pyrenees, named Winston, start visiting nursing homes, he knew that he had something great going on.
A big dog with a big heart
When Winston’s previous owner passed away, he had to go back to his breeder. But eventually, he found a new forever home with his new owner Clifford Spohr. Clifford recognized Winston’s demeanor and realized that he could bring joy and love to other people. Winston underwent training and soon completed a course that granted him his certification as a therapy dog.
Clifford would then bring Winston to various nursing homes, spending the day with senior citizens. Both of them would visit each nursing home when they could and spend the day visiting its residents. Clifford would slowly and gently approach each resident and muzzle his big face, new their bodies. This brings a huge smile and their face and big happiness in their hearts. Many would talk to Winston as they would rub his body and face. Winston would just stay still and let the seniors fawn over him, both parties loving the moment.
Clifford said that Winston was born for the role. He has such a big heart literally and figuratively. He loves the visit to the homes and the time they spend there. In a news clip below, you could see that Winston does an outstanding job of bringing happiness to the lives of those that need it the most.
Source: Fox 4 News – Dallas-Fort Worth via Youtube