Edgehill Celebrates International Assistance Dog Week With Community Dog
August 9, 2018
STAMFORD, CT–The residents and staff at Edgehill are honoring their community dog, Savannah, during International Assistance Dog Week. The holiday that started August 5 was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs that help individuals mitigate their disability-related limitations.
Savannah, an 8-month-old Chesapeake Bay retriever puppy, was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Mississippi and adopted from the SPCA of Westchester County. She officially calls Edgehill her “fur-ever home” and lives and works alongside residents and staff.
“Not only does Savannah provide added value to our residents, but she also provides selfless love and devotion,” says Christopher Barstein, executive director, Edgehill.
Research has found that being with a pet can reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and stress as well as battle depression. Animals also have the ability to help memory care patients. Studies have shown those with memory loss are able to access memories from long ago after interacting with pets on a regular basis. The health benefits and gratification of caring for a dog make a pet-friendly retirement community the perfect home for a rescued pup.
“My husband and I had dogs our whole life. We miss them. Having Savannah at Edgehill has made so many people happy. We all love having a dog around!” says resident Persis Alden.
Assistance dogs transform the lives of their human partners with debilitating physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, aide, best friend and member of their family. Assistance dogs include Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, Hearing Alert Dogs, Seizure Alert/Response Dogs and Medical Alert/Response Dogs.
Set on the spacious grounds of a former family retreat in Stamford, CT, Edgehill is a Type A Lifecare, all-inclusive continuing care retirement community. As part of the Edgehill Advantage, the Benchmark Senior Living community offers exceptional, maintenance-free senior housing, a wide variety of premium services and amenities and a full continuum of on-site health care.