STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — At Cardinal Court Assisted Living in Strongsville, residents can be found enjoying each other's company, reading, and most recently, falling in puppy love.
A visit from the Berea Animal Rescue put nothing but smiles on everyone's faces.
"It's something that brings a lot of joy to our residents," said Samantha Manzuck, the Life Enrichment Director at Cardinal Court.
Not only did Chloe and Dakota from the Berea Animal Rescue bring joy, but they also brought a special type of therapy.
Animal therapy is known to have a lot of physical and mental health benefits.
"Often times, it'll do things like it'll lower their blood pressure," said Manzuck. "It'll produce serotonin and other endorphins that tend to leave them in a happier mood.
Additionally, for residents of Cardinal Court, most of whom live with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, the dogs can remind them of their past.
"This is an opportunity for them to reminisce," said Manzuck. "And tap into some memories that they have."
And, it also gives them a purpose!
Residents prepared a gift of soft beds and peanut butter and yogurt treats and chose to give these to the Berea Animal Rescue.
The dogs and the volunteers with the rescue were grateful for the gift from the residents, and the residents were overjoyed to have the four-legged visitors.
"Our residents come here to live," said Holly Soresso, Cardinal Court's Community Development Director. "Bringing our pets and family visitors really brings out the life in our residents."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Aug. 20, 2022.