October 21, 2015 (Lincolnton, NC) ─ What is black and white, bug-eyed and leaves smiles in her wake? Why it’s Sadie, a Boston terrier owned by Randy Bower of Troutman. A Therapy Dogs International-certified dog, Sadie visits Heath House twice a month where she is one of the most popular guests! She is accompanied by her friend Bogie, a Labradoodle owned by Sue Schoenecker.

“Residents love the pet therapy visits because it reminds them of the dogs they used to own,” said Activities Director Taylor Houser. “They all want to pet the dogs, and they love to have their picture taken with them.”

Pictured here, Heath House residents Angelina Palladino, Brenda Parker and Doraine Bell enjoy some snuggle time with Sadie who has been a therapy dog since 2009.

“I was going through a divorce and Sadie was the first dog I ever had,” he said. “It was a transitional period in my life and I thought it would be a good way for me to give back.”

Sadie, Bogie and their owners also frequently pay visits to Wexford House, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Denver.

“They say when you pet a dog it lowers your stress levels,” said Bower. “You can really see that on the faces of the residents when they are petting Sadie. It’s rewarding in many ways.”

For more information about Heath House, please contact Administrator Jeanne Bolden at (704) 732-1113.