Betty Brinley's dogs mean everything to her.
Pippin is a black Shih Tzu. She is dating Brinley at Trustwell Living Mansfield Place.
“I don't know what would have happened to her without that dog,” said Brinley's daughter, Andi Snealinger.
Trustwell Living Mansfield Place is an assisted living facility that provides a higher level of care for seniors who require additional care but still have a home-like environment.
Pets are also part of that.
Residents are allowed to keep pets at this facility. In honor of National Pet Day (April 11), Trustwell Living hosted a pet party complete with costumes and accessories for his half-dozen dogs. The dogs also enjoyed the treats.
National Pet Day is a day dedicated to pets who don't always get the companionship and attention they deserve. Loving our pets is something we do every day, but this event encourages us to help orphaned pet companions. It will improve their health and increase chances of adoption.
Visits to nursing home residents by therapy dogs
Mocker brought a Labradoodle named Sophie for the occasion. She is a therapy dog who frequently visits Trust Well Living.
“She gets free treats (from residents),” Snealing said of her dog.
Brinley was unable to attend the party due to a recent medical procedure, but Pippin appeared.
“She's more silver than black,” said Amy Mullins, director of community relations for Trustwell Living.
While Pippin was enjoying the extra companionship, Brinley recalled having the 11-year-old as a puppy.
“I saw something in the paper,” she said. “Her husband didn't even know I was having her, but she was fine.”
And what about Pippin?
“She's a sweetheart,” Brinley said. “She has a great temperament.”
Trustwell Living employee Christine Spoonmore brought Chance, a Shih Tzu-poodle mix, to the party. The dog belongs to her roommate.
“He's pretty flashy,” Spoonmore said of Chance. “We actually make his meals. He doesn't eat dog food, so we feed him homemade food.”
She said Chance is a typical visitor to the facility.
“They (residents) love him and he loves the attention,” Spoonmore said. “He especially loves the courtyard.”
Trustwell Living wanted to share photos of Richland County Humane Society animals for National Pet Day. Yvonne Smith, one of the Humane Society's directors, brought Bianca, a beagle rescued from a puppy mill operation.
“I ended up taking her home. There was nothing I could do about it,” Smith said.
Basset hounds were very popular at parties.
Bianca enjoyed playing with Maggie, another canine visitor. The Basset Hound's ears extend 24 inches from side to side.
Maggie arrived with Michelle Thompson, a social worker from Southern Care.
Many residents don't have pets, but they remember the days when they did.
“John (Domer) and I had dogs for 10 years,” Norma Dormer said of her late husband. She says, “When my neighbors started getting ready to move, I said, 'Can you take the dog with me?'” There was no way to say no. ”
Marjorie Hood said one of her family's pets when she was young was so devoted to Hood's mother that the dog entered the church during the funeral and lay next to the casket.
“I love both dogs and cats,” Hood said. “Anything but snakes.”
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