What are pet therapies, and why are they important in the world of Alzheimer's? Washington Therapy Dogs' manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne for September's conversations about the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Marlina says, "I saw some photos of Suzanne and her dog Whidbey going to a senior community on a Facebook group, and I was so touched by that. I started to volunteer in Seattle at a local community. It all came together, I got a dog, she's a puppy. I saw those photos, and saw the positive impact they had on the residents, and bam, I'm doing that!"

When she visits a memory care facility, they do one-on-ones with her dog, but mostly does groups. Marlina says, "We go in and bring our cadre, other volunteers, another two or three and their dogs, and there are maybe 30 residents, all in one room, maybe an atrium. So we approach them. And the looks on their faces! I cry a lot, tears of joy. Their transformation, facial expressions, their energy level – and they're talking!"

To collaborate or learn more about dog training in the U.S., visit watherapydogs.com. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. 

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks.

What are pet therapies, and why are they important in the world of Alzheimer's? Washington Therapy Dogs' manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne for September's conversations about the Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Marlina says, "I saw some photos of Suzanne and her dog Whidbey going to a senior community on a Facebook group, and I was so touched by that. I started to volunteer in Seattle at a local community. It all came together, I got a dog, she's a puppy. I saw those photos, and saw the positive impact they had on the residents, and bam, I'm doing that!"
When she visits a memory care facility, they do one-on-ones with her dog, but mostly does groups. Marlina says, "We go in and bring our cadre, other volunteers, another two or three and their dogs, and there are maybe 30 residents, all in one room, maybe an atrium. So we approach them. And the looks on their faces! I cry a lot, tears of joy. Their transformation, facial expressions, their energy level – and they're talking!"
To collaborate or learn more about dog training in the U.S., visit watherapydogs.com. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. 
Check out our affiliate podcast <a href="https://alzheimersspeaks.com/">Alzheimer’s Speaks</a>.

Answers for Elders is the North Star in Navigating Senior Care.  Our content is designed to Empower Seniors and their Families through the Daunting Journey of Aging.

Featuring our host, Suzanne Newman and top industry providers across the USA, together, we support, coach and assist seniors, caregivers and their families in finding the best independent solutions in world of aging, with a comprehensive line-up of topics covering Health & Wellness, Life Changes, Living Options, and Money & Law.

Answers for Elders is the North Star in Navigating Senior Care.  Our content is designed to Empower Seniors and their Families through the Daunting Journey of Aging.
Featuring our host, Suzanne Newman and top industry providers across the USA, together, we support, coach and assist seniors, caregivers and their families in finding the best independent solutions in world of aging, with a comprehensive line-up of topics covering Health &amp; Wellness, Life Changes, Living Options, and Money &amp; Law.

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Empowering Seniors and their Families through the Daunting Journey of Aging

For Caregivers: If you're caring for a senior loved one, or navigating later life care, we help make the journey so much easier for you and your family.

For Seniors: We help you be proactive to prepare for your aging years ahead, honoring your wishes.

Featuring our host, Suzanne Newman and top industry providers across the USA, together, we support, coach and assist families in finding the best independent solutions in world of aging, with a comprehensive line-up of topics covering Health & Wellness, Life Changes, Living Options, and Money & Law.

Empowering Seniors and their Families through the Daunting Journey of Aging
For Caregivers: If you're caring for a senior loved one, or navigating later life care, we help make the journey so much easier for you and your family.
For Seniors: We help you be proactive to prepare for your aging years ahead, honoring your wishes.
Featuring our host, Suzanne Newman and top industry providers across the USA, together, we support, coach and assist families in finding the best independent solutions in world of aging, with a comprehensive line-up of topics covering Health &amp; Wellness, Life Changes, Living Options, and Money &amp; Law.

Answers for Elders

What are pet therapies, and why are they important in the world of Alzheimer's? Washington Therapy Dogs' manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne for September's conversations about the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Therapy Dogs and Alzheimer's

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/bbf6fa36-e365-438d-83df-b1e70132da12/transcript

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