When I get a dog, I have plans of sharing him with the clients of nursing homes, providing affection and comfort by my Gizmo!!!

By getting a small dog, it will be easier for me to carry him in.  I will need a dog carrier and I will consider a sling carrier for this special event.

There are so many benefits to these people from just a little visit by you and your pet.  Many of these people have no way to pass the time, poor eyesight, poor hearing, no remaining family, etc., so seeing, petting, watching your pet is a highlight of their day.

By having a sling dog carrier, I can let Gizmo loose for the nursing home clients to hold and enjoy, but I also will be prepared to quickly contain him should there be a need.

When my mother was in a nursing home, a friend of mine used to bring her dog with her. Of course, my mother who was a pet lover, enjoyed it a lot.  But the other clients did too!!!  The employees encouraged us to take the dog around to the various halls / rooms so others would be cheered.

There was one man who had been in the nursing home for many years, not very old either, has nearly no visitors,  and his face would light up with a big smile.  One day when my friend brought her dog, this guy was sleeping. We waited for him to wake up, but my friend had an appointment and couldn’t wait much longer.  The head nurse felt that it would be best to wake him, so that he would have the special treat of seeing and petting the dog, rather than sleeping that he did so much of.  The look on his face told us that it was the right decision to wake him. It really gave him a lift for that day!

Have you had any experiences bringing your pets to nursing homes?

Do you have any suggestions or advice on this? Do I need anything more than my sling dog carrier? I want to benefit by others experiences and be prepared