Pet power: Winnie the Pooch unleashes smiles at Ahrens Respite Program in Milford

Once a month, the Ahrens Respite Program gets a new addition--one with four paws and a tail, courtesy of the nonprofit Animal Assisted Therapy Services. Leonora Rodgriguez said she added pet therapy to the program about six months ago because of the healing powers of pets.

Marissa Alter

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Nov 2, 2023, 10:22 PM

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Updated 403 days ago

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For 33 years, the Ahrens Respite Program has operated at the Milford Senior Center.

"The purpose of the program is to continue to have people engage in life that might be experiencing mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's or related dementia," explained Leonora Rodriguez, executive director of the Milford Senior Center.

Rodriguez said the half-day program allows caregivers to work or run errands while their loved ones participate in activities like art, music and puzzles in a group setting.

"What we offer here is camaraderie, you know, with other people -- socialization," said Jill Taricani, Ahrens Respite Program coordinator.

"It's one of the very few social models that are left here in Connecticut," added Rodriguez.

And once a month, the group gets a new addition--one with four paws and a tail, courtesy of the nonprofit Animal Assisted Therapy Services. Rodgriguez said she added pet therapy to the program about six months ago because of the healing powers of pets.

On this fall morning, it's the first visit for a little dachshund-poodle mix named Winnie.

"It's easy to remember because we call her Winnie the Pooch," AATS director Chris Patella announced to the room.

Winnie quickly went to work, making her rounds and saying hi to everyone there. Each senior got multiple chances to pet her and feed her a treat.

"With dementia you try to kind of trigger all the senses, so definitely petting an animal, interacting with an animal triggers a lot of emotions and tactile senses," Taricani explained. "Sometimes they get very childlike, that wonder in their eyes."

"It's really sweet because they start remembering their old pets of their own that they no longer have or they might start sharing stories," Rodriguez said.

"Not every dog can be a therapy dog or wants to be a therapy dog, but it was very clear from the start with her that this was something she loved to do and looked forward to and was willing to do as much a she could," Patella told News 12.

Patella said they rescued Winnie from Houston in 2015 and believe she's 10 years old. She may be a small dog, but she's making a big impact unleashing smile after smile.

"They absolutely loved her. All they really wanted to do was pet her and be with her. It's very gratifying," Patella said.

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