A veterans home in Cameron, Mo. has a new employee with an unusual resume.
A graduate of the Puppies for Parole Program, former shelter dog Alex is bonding with vets and brightening their days with daily visits. After two short months on the job his services are highly valued. In fact, when he runs late for his morning visits everyone asks for him.
The benefits of canine therapy are well known, but hospital employees have been surprised at the early progress they have seen. Alex is not only spreading joy, he’s making healing connections.
“We had a veteran who only had very limited vocals and when Alex the dog started going down to visit with him he started speaking in full sentences,” hospital therapist Darci Henry said. “That never happened. We didn’t know he was capable of that.”
