During visits to a facility for physically disabled adults, Blossom, a mixed-breed dog, has encouraged at least three residents to come out of their shells.

by Animal Medical Center

Blossom, a mixed-breed dog, is a regular visitor to a facility for physically disabled adults.  Her friendly disposition has helped to improve the attitudes of residents and encouraged them to open up.

For most visits, residents are seated in a circle to visit with Blossom.  During one visit, a resident with a rather grumpy disposition, was seated just outside of the circle.  When Blossom approached with her tail wagging, the woman shooed her away.  A few minutes later, the woman allowed Blossom to sit by her, and was quietly and gently stroking the dog.

In a corner of the room, a man was seated by himself.  He seemed a bit uncomfortable when Blossom approached.  Her owner noticed this and called the dog.  Blossom moved toward her owner, and then stopped near the area where the man sat.  She stood there, wagging her tail.  A minute or two later the man had gotten up out of his seat and came down to Blossom.  He bent down to pet and talk to the dog.

At the end of the visit, a younger woman commented, “When I come to pet therapy I go back to my room with the dogs in my head for the whole month.”

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