Meet Bentley, the therapy dog bringing a smile to residents at a Windsor, Ont., shelter
The Salvation Army Centre of Hope has welcomed therapy dogs from St. John Ambulance
Meet Bentley.
He's a therapy dog with the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program. Lately, Bentley's been visiting the clients at the Salvation Army Centre of Hope shelter — bringing warmth and smiles to the clients who visit with him.
Freddie Farrugia is a resident at the Centre for Hope who struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.
He said — between friendly kisses and handshakes from Bentley — that spending time with him helps his anxiety.
"When I first met Bentley I was pretty stressed out. I do struggle with PTSD, and it just seemed to bring me calm and just take the anxiety away," Farrugia said.
"I had to give up a dog too because of my homeless condition. This is awesome for me to be able to have a dog to come here. And then I'm getting that unconditional love from him, and he really likes me, and I really like him.
"He gives me way more than I can actually give him back … dogs are just so unconditional. And especially this guy."
Freddie's words are encouragement for Bentley's owner, Ray Hoover.
"That's why we do this," Hoover said.
Hoover said he's been registered with the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program for about two years.
"I'm retired so I had a lot of extra time on my hands, and I said, 'Why not?' It makes me feel good to share the love that he gives," Hoover said.
Bentley, almost seven years old, is a lap dog, Hoover said — even at more than 130 pounds and at eye level to Farrugia and Hoover when they're sitting down. It might go without saying, but Bentley is very friendly and loves people.
Jason Linton is the executive director for the Centre of Hope. He says that having Bentley and other therapy dogs come to spend time with their residents can help with the considerable stress that people coming into shelter can face.
"I think it's a time where people can forget a little bit about the challenges that they're having, the stress that comes with those challenges," Linton said. "Let that go for, you know, an hour or so and really spend some time and enjoy the time with the dog.
"Everyone leaves with a smile on their face when they come and see Bentley."
With files from Jacob Barker