The Glen Retirement System has some unlikely residents. Paws with Purpose arranges for furry neighbors to live in The Glen community through its animal therapy program. Paws with Purpose links a pet with resident to assist with physical recovery and maintain overall good health. 

Maureen Kidd, animal therapy coordinator, began Paws with Purpose 14 years ago at The Glen, and its growth and popularity has led to more than a dozen of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens living in an on-site kennel. The kennel was provided for The Glen-Zadeck Canine Comrades program through funding by The Zadeck Family Foundation. Kidd said a miniature horse will also soon join the Paws with Purpose family.

“Thanks to the Paws with Purpose Program, residents can still receive the love and emotional support that animals can provide,” Debbie Schofield, second vice chairman of the Glen board of directors and Paws with Purpose volunteer, said. “Animal therapy has proven to be beneficial to those who struggle with physical limitations as well as other issues.”

The nonprofit’s program is available to residents of The Glen, including The Stiles Apartments, Village Health Care, Glenview Gardens and The Cottages for weekly visits. The group makes their room-to-room rounds through the Village Health Care’s “Skilled Care” area. “It’s a delight for them to have the animals sit next to their bed or chair,” Kidd said. “They pet them and sometimes tell stories to them.”

The Paws with Purpose little helpers have become second nature to see throughout The Glen community. As Kidd walks the dogs through the campus, residents instantly light up, recognizing the animals and greeting them by name. “We visit residents after the lunch hour,” Kidd said. “This is a social hour where everyone is together in one place. Residents have their favorites that they see and meet the new animals.”

Residents in The Glen’s independent living community who own a pet may also use their pet for their therapy sessions. Respectfully, Kidd asks if the residents would like to pet the animals before approaching. The mild-manner pooches patiently await the invitation before placing a head in the lap, lying at the feet, or nuzzling the hand of the resident. Sometimes Kidd holds a show for the residents showing off the dog’s special talents and tricks.

Kidd said the benefits of Paws with Purpose animal therapy spans further than physical. “It’s unconditional love,” she said. “They’re sweet and love everybody just because. And they really love their work.”

As a part of The Glen’s community outreach, Kidd and her friends also visit LSUHSC Pediatric Floor, Shriners Hospital for Children, Holy Angels Residential Facility, Sutton Children’s Medical Center, Grace Home, Eighty-First Street School “Special Needs Children,” Northwest War Veterans Home, Gingerbread House Bossier/Caddo Children’s Advocacy Center Program, and Feist-Weiller Cancer Center.

During these visits, a remarkable change in the health, attitudes and behaviors of the people at the sites. “At Shriners there was a little girl who kept having seizures,” Kidd said. “We put one of the dogs next to her in her bed and she stopped having seizures.” 

Kidd said there was also a boy who often found himself in trouble by beginning fights while standing at the bus stop. He was engaged to become a volunteer of Paws with Purpose, with one of his duties being to read to Connor, the dog. Not only did this help with the young boy’s literacy, but it gave him a sense of purpose. He kept a card with Connor’s name and picture on it in his pocket, a token given to him by Kidd. It was noticed soon after that the fighting stopped. When asked about the positive change in behavior, Kidd said the boy told her, “Conner needs someone to read to him. Connor needs me.” Paws with Purpose receives its animals through donations as well as working with certified animal handlers who own and train the animals. “Every two years we are re-certified through the national group ‘Pet Partners,’” Kidd said. “Paws with Purpose is Pet Partners’ first community partner in Louisiana.”

There are about 25 active volunteers with registered dogs working with the program. 

“Maureen Kidd and other Pet Partner volunteers have spent many hours sharing their beloved dogs along with The Glen’s dogs with those living at The Glen,” Schofield said. “I am personally dedicated to this program, as my goldendoodle, Ellie, and I are Pet Partners, and we love to visit.”

Animals and exercise:

Through The Glen’s animal-assisted activities, residents work with the animals to complete rehabilitative exercises that are specific to their needs. One form of exercise focusing on improving range of motion calls for residents to wear wrist weights while brushing a dog’s body full length. The effects of Paws with Purpose goes further than physical therapy, encouraging residents to have fun and have a positive outlook.