The M&M girls
Posted: September 12, 2012
Sheltie pair proves every dog has its day
Hot dogs Six-year-old half-sisters Millie and Maggie are extremely well-behaved Shetland Sheepdogs. And they should be. After all, they’ve spent 3 ½ years in obedience training at a Maryland kennel club. Now the certified therapy dog duo volunteers at a local nursing home and school where they patiently listen as children with reading challenges practice aloud.
Canine commander Every Saturday and Sunday, Health Education Assistant Professor Lori Dewald, EdD, ATC, MCHES, F-AAHE, ushers Millie and Maggie to the nursing home. This has been their routine for the past four years.
“The long-term nursing home residents have given Millie and Maggie the nickname of the M&M girls,” Dr. Dewald says. “They love the girls, and everyone wants to be the first room they visit.”
Dr. Dewald, who joined SHM in 2011, adopted the girls when they were 8-weeks old. Her intent in enrolling them in obedience training was to have polite puppies, but with the instructors’ encouragement, Dr. Dewald decided to continue their training. The M&Ms are now highly demanded helpers and the positive experience has multiplied for Dr. Dewald.
“My dogs have such an unconditional love for people,” she says. “It’s amazing to see a smile come across the face of a nursing home resident when they pet my girls. It brings back fond memories of their own dogs.”
Dr. Dewald remembers that her grandparents desperately missed their dog when they had to be placed in a nursing home.
“One of the nurses would bring her dog to the nursing home, and my grandparents were happy to be able to pet a dog and get dog kisses. I had always said that if I ever had well behaved dogs I’d consider giving back to people who have had to leave their dogs at home while being in a nursing home.”
The M&Ms have helped her keep that promise.
Woman’s best friend Dogs have been a part of Dr. Dewald’s world since she was born. Not only have they been a companion to her and her community, the connection even carries over to Dr. Dewald’s classroom.
“Health education is education for life,” says Dr. Dewald. “With Millie and Maggie, I believe that they encourage mental, emotional, and social health in the nursing home residents, which also helps with their physical health dimension.”
Dr. Dewald is keenly aware of the health benefits of animal ownership, proving that the M&Ms truly are the teacher’s pet.