CUMBERLAND, R.I. – In a world often dominated by headlines of conflict and crisis, a heartwarming story unfolds within the walls of the Grandview Center in cumberland. Here, an American Eskimo dog named Bear isn’t just a pet; he’s a vital member of the community, dedicated to lifting the spirits of its residents.

For the past year and a half, Lori Burns, Bear’s owner, has been a constant presence at the Grandview Center. Four to five times a week, Bear accompanies Burns to visit her mother and stepfather, as well as the center’s 72 full-time residents.

“As soon as I pull in, he bolts for the entrance. He’s excited. And one of the residents sits up front at 10 o’clock faithfully, door opens and he runs right to them,”

Lori Burns

burns emphasizes the profound impact Bear has on the residents, notably those who may not have frequent family visits. “A lot of these residents have family but they don’t see family often and he fills the gap, the hole, where the family isn’t he is.”

From Abandoned to Ambassador of Joy

Bear’s journey to becoming a beloved therapy dog is itself a testament to resilience and second chances. Several years ago, he was abandoned on Federal Hill during the Columbus Day festival. In a serendipitous encounter, a man approached Burns’ daughter, recognizing her as a dog lover, and asked if she would take him, as he and his fiancé could no longer care for him.

Though burns initially took him in temporarily, dog restrictions led to her becoming Bear’s permanent owner. “My girls thought he looked like a teddy bear so they named him Bear,” Burns explained. “With a lot of patience, a lot of love, a lot of care, a lot of walks, and occasional trips to the doggy park he turned out to be an amazing dog. I didn’t teach him these traits. He came to me a little rough around the edges but, for the most part he came to me this way.”

The Healing Power of Paws: Animal-Assisted Therapy in the U.S.

Bear’s story is a shining example of the growing recognition of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in the United States. AAT utilizes the unique bond between humans and animals to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. While dogs are the most common therapy animals, cats, horses, and even dolphins are also used in various therapeutic settings.

The benefits of AAT are well-documented:

• Reduced anxiety and depression: Interacting with animals releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
• Lowered blood pressure: Studies have shown that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
• Increased socialization: Animals can act as social catalysts, encouraging interaction and communication.
• Improved motor skills: Activities such as grooming or walking with an animal can enhance motor skills and coordination.

In the U.S., organizations like Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International play a crucial role in training, registering, and supporting therapy animal teams. These organizations ensure that animals are well-behaved,healthy,and appropriately screened for temperament.

A Day in the life of a Therapy Dog

Burns, now retired, dedicates her days to Bear and his mission of spreading joy.They spend nearly two hours each day socializing with the residents at the grandview Center.

“It’s easy to love him. It’s always a pleasure. He lights up the room, everybody loves the dog,”

Edward Beaulier, a resident

Beaulier added, “Just a one in a million dog. He makes everybody feel alive. That’s quite an accomplishment for a pet.”

Bear isn’t just a visitor; he’s an active participant in the Grandview Center’s community. He dresses for every occasion, attends celebrations, and participates in the residents’ daily activities.

“He’s like our ambassador for everybody to have a little bit of an extra smile and fun for the day because he also participates in our activities,”

Shaun Cournoyer, the acting administrator at the Grandview Center for Genesis

Cournoyer notes the positive impact on both residents and staff. “You can see he clearly brightens everyone’s day. It absolutely helps staff as they get to see somthing different in the workplace than actual work.”

Bear’s affection is evident in his interactions with each resident. He responds to their calls,sits patiently for pets,and seems to intuitively understand their needs.

“If someone’s not feeling right or feeling well or they’re depressed Bear comes to the rescue,”

Lori Burns

the Grandview Center prioritizes combating loneliness and ensuring residents feel cared for. Cournoyer explains, “We strive to make sure that no one is ever lonely, that they feel lonely, and if we think we do have residents that are feeling down or lonely, we go the extra mile to make sure they don’t feel that way and Bear is an example of how we help combat that.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Animal-Assisted Therapy

As the U.S. population ages, the demand for effective and compassionate care for seniors will continue to grow. Animal-assisted therapy offers a promising avenue for enhancing the quality of life for those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Lori Burns has no intention of slowing down her visits with Bear. Witnessing the joy he brings to the residents is all the motivation she needs. “Every single day when you wake up you have to say to yourself, ‘Today I’m doing to do something good,'” she said.

“I feel amazing when I leave here. And when I lay my head down on that pillow at night, I say every single night, ‘I’ve accomplished something good.’”

Lori Burns

Bear’s legacy extends beyond the walls of the Grandview Center. He serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact animals can have on human well-being, and the importance of compassion and connection in our communities. His story encourages us all to consider how we can make a positive difference in the lives of others,one paw at a time.