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Senior Living

2010-11-01 13:31:00

Marlie

Question: I hear you’ve acquired a new staff member at your nursing home. What’s her name?

Answer: Yes we do have a special new staff member at Medicalodges in Goddard, and her name is Marlie. Marlie is a 3-year-old, female, Golden Retriever. She came to us when her owners were no longer able to keep her. She was originally saved by family, when the dog was owned as a puppy by a man who drove a truck and could not take care of a puppy while he drove across the country. A mother and her 12-year-old daughter agreed to take care of Marlie and she become a member of their family for three years. She was an inside dog, but was also often taken to the country where she could run and play. The 12-year-old and Marlie became inseparable companions. Mom would often find her daughter and Marlie lying on the floor, cuddled up and fast asleep. There were a few times when Marlie was found to have been invited into the girl’s bed to sleep beside her without Mom’s knowledge. It was a great start for a great dog. Marlie learned to love people. As 12-year-olds are prone to do, the daughter was growing up. The day came, that her prowess as a volleyball player dictated a move to the Goddard School District. The family had to move and as they sought housing, they found that Marlie could no longer be accommodated in their home. They tearfully decided to find a new home for the beautiful dog who had become such a beloved member of their family. It was while discussing the need for a home for Marlie with a staff member that Medicalodges Regional Vice President, Marla Nispel suggested that Marlie make her home at Medicalodges, Goddard. Family members brought Marlie to the home, to check out the reaction of the dog , the residents and the staff. The delight taken in the dog’s visit, by both staff and residents reassured the family she would be well taken care of. Marlie was delighted with all the attention and seemed to sense when a resident was concerned. Some folks she went to immediately, others she waited until invited. A staff “Marlie Committee” was formed to consider the entrance of a new four-footed staff member and to make plans for her integration into the community. Places to sleep, beds, water bowls, food schedules, potty schedules and responsibilities had to be considered. Residents had to be talked to and surveyed on whether they wanted to have Marlie in their home. Result of the resident survey was a resounding “Yes.” Marlie was wanted and welcome! August 15th, Marlie moved into her hew home, on probation for thirty days, but welcomed. She would sleep in the basement and be allowed on the main floor either leashed or supervised for the next 30 days until it was determined that she was a safe member of the community. Thirty days passed and Marlie was allowed off her leash and the freedom of the facility. She quickly learned which residents had doggy treats in their rooms for her. Some residents had family pick up doggy toys for her. She loved it. And the residents loved her. Oh there were issues, like the night she decided to bark in the basement. But for the most part, things went smoothly. The “Marlie Committee” met again and it was decided that Marlie had passed her test and would be allowed to stay on the main floor continuously, except for the early morning hours when she would be taken downstairs so she could eat undisturbed. It is not unusual for residents to be asking “where’s my dog?” As they go looking for the fluffy golden retriever. She seems to be especially gentle and accepting of those residents who are cognitively impaired. With them, she responds just as well to the name of their deceased pet’s name as she does to her own. Ambulatory residents are able to take Marlie out for walks giving both the exercise they need. Several requests have been received to have Marlie sleep in resident’s rooms. One even asked that she be allowed to sleep on the bed with her. In the interest of safety and sanitation however, those requests have had to be denied. Marlie is free to go to residents rooms however. She even was invited to one family gathering in a resident room and spent several hours with them. Some family members have even offered to provide obedience classes at discount for her. The comment that came with the offer however, was, “She could probably qualify as a therapy dog quickly as she is already so gentle and loving, and obeys so well.” Yes, we have a few staff/family members at Medicalodges Goddard and she’s making a lot of people very happy. Please stop by and say Hello to her. She may even give you a kiss!