Theraputic Dog in Nursing Home

[dboz]

My Dad lives in a nursing home in missouri. He has had a theraputic dog for rehab for about the last month. Last week they told him he could no longer have the dog but did not give a reason. Can they legally make him get rid of the dog or is there something that I can do? Maybe something I can print out and take in to have some sort of ground to stand on when I talk with them. Thanks

 

[quincy]

I think, before you do anything else, you need to find out why the nursing home told your dad he could no longer have the dog. They could have a legitimate reason. If there is not a legitimate reason, THEN you could protest. Dogs have been shown to be great therapy.

 

[LindaP777]

But who bathes the dog, grooms it, feeds it and cleans the floor from the muddy paw prints? Where is his water bowl? Dogs require more than a handful of food everyday. Imagine every resident decided to get a "theraputic" dog or cat? The place would be a mess! It's also probably in their contract no pets if you look.

Get rid of the dog. He should have asked before he got it.

(FYI - I am an animal lover before you start bashing.)

 

[lealea1005]

Although I agree that dogs are great 'therapy", I have to agree with Linda (and I'm a card carrying member of an animal rights group). The dog is a living creature that deserves to be properly cared for, exercised, and fed.

Does the dog have actual documentation of being a "theraputic" dog? There is training involved before that designation can be made. Think of the liability if a improperly trained dog nipped at some one.

Also, one must remember that the home must take into consideration that not all their residents may welcome animals.

 

[OHlandlord]

Not only may some residents not welcome the dog, but some people have life-threatening allergies to certain foods and animals. Although I love animals, I cannot be around dogs for more than a few minutes. I am severely allergic to them. Within 15 minutes of breathing dog dander my eyes start to swell , and I start to sneeze uncontrollably (yes, one right after another non-stop). If I just pat someone's dog on the head, I must immediately go wash up or I will break out in a rash. I think dogs are adorable, but I cannot imagine having to live around one. And yes, there are allergy medications one can take, but they often have side effects and interact with many other medicines (causing drowsiness, a raise in blood pressure, etc.) This may not be possible for people on many medications in a nursing home to take them, nor may it be covered by their insurance/medicaid/etc. Ask the nursing home what the reason is for not allowing the dog. There may be a legitimate medical reason it cannot be there.

 

[moburkes]

OHLL, I was going to say the same thing. I am highly allergic to dogs. I'd have to move. Allergy medicine nor shots are able to help me oftentimes.

 

[paradise105pw]

you did not mention how long your father has lived in this home. perhaps about a month?

did he have the dog when he moved in and this was acceptable at the time? was the dog originally welcome and then a sudden change of heart?