09/02/2026
🐾 Heart-Warming Wednesday 🐾
There is something truly special about the bond between people and animals. Our pets give us unconditional love, comfort, companionship, and a reason to smile—and that bond doesn’t disappear when life circumstances change.
For residents transitioning into assisted living, being separated from a beloved pet can be one of the hardest parts of that transition. That’s why we are so grateful for our Nursing Home Volunteers, who work to keep that special bond alive. ❤️🐾
This incredible group -Kim Finney, Marion Maxwell, Dovie Hein, Brenda Anderson, Linda Meinig and Lynn Howard - does so much more than simply visit. They regularly bring residents to Prairie Paws for time with the animals, and they also take their own personal dogs to visit residents at local assisted-living facilities.
The residents eagerly look forward to these visits. For some, it is a highlight of their week. For others, it is a chance to reminisce about pets they have loved throughout their lives. And for many, it is simply an opportunity to sit, smile, laugh, and feel the unconditional love that only an animal can provide. Sometimes the residents even make cards to bring to the animal shelter to show their appreciation
One of those residents was Robert Stanbrough, who recently passed away. Robert never wanted to miss an opportunity to spend time with the dogs. He was always ready with a smile, a gentle touch, and plenty of love to give. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife Theresa during this very difficult time. His absence will be deeply felt—not only by the people who knew him, but by the dogs who had come to know and love him, too. 🐾
We are incredibly grateful to Robert for reminding us just how powerful the human-animal bond can be, and to Kim, Marion, Dovie, Brenda, Linda and Lynn for sharing your time, your dogs, and your hearts. And because they never stop short, this amazing group also made a generous donation to Prairie Paws in Robert's memory. You are making a difference—one wagging tail and one smile at a time.❤️🐶
Thank you to Homestead Assisted Living of Ottawa and Rock Creek Care Home of Ottawa for making sure the human-animal bond continues to bring comfort and joy to those who need it most.
