In the know.

The impact of pet therapy is well documented. Having a four legged companion is known to reduce stress, worry, anxiety, and boredom while even distracting from pain. Pet therapy is  also shown to improve mood and engagement. While a pet can be a boost to just about anyone’s day, those with dementia are particularly impacted by this type of interaction.  That’s why The Langford at College Station has a very special gal on their staff. Meet Lucy Lou.

Lucy Lou’s only job when she comes to work is to spread smiles and give cuddles. Her handler is Katie Tyler, the community’s Life Enrichment Director who shares her office with the furry co-worker. Katie’s office is equipped with lots of toys and a soft bed for when she is off the clock. When its time to work, Lucy Lou puts on her harness and follows Katie to the memory support neighborhood where her biggest fan club awaits her visit, each getting as much one-on-one time as they wish.

This is a very rare arrangement to find in senior living, but a common thing to find in Eden Alternative Certified communities, a distinction each MRC community holds, where the connection to animals is celebrated and encouraged when possible. PineCrest in Lufkin also has a puppy on staff named Ollie who lives in the Skilled nursing neighborhood but is known to roam the entire campus to spread sweet puppy love.    

Recently, Katie was approached by the local news station, KBTX, to be featured in their Promoting Positivity segment. Katie, who tends to be a bit more shy about this sort of thing, turned to Chaplain Gabe Montez to be her on-camera partner. “Gabe is my emotional support human,” laughed Katie, “that’s why I asked him to go with me.”

During the interview, Lucy Lou sat perfectly throughout the entire interview. However, those who were watching closely may have noticed she was consistently offering Gabe a handshake or nuzzling her nose into his leg.

“My pockets were filled with chicken nuggets,” laughed Gabe, “I wanted to have treats to make sure she behaved while on camera.” The trio shared with the news correspondent, Lauren Margolis, all the benefits Lucy Lou brings to the residents of The Langford. Gabe shared, “The residents light up when Lucy  comes in the room, she just has that impact on people. To see her when she is giving the friendship and the comradery that brings joy to their lives, its something we are really proud of.”  

Between residents and employees alike, its entirely possible Lucy Lou is the most favored employee at The Langford. But one thing is for sure, she is the only employee who is paid in chicken nuggets.  

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