ELDER CARE THERAPIST "PRECIOUS"
CELEBRATES HER 5TH BIRTHDAY
WITH JOEL SILVERMAN, HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL TRAINER
OCTOBER 19, 2005
Famed Canine Employee
Many employers give birthday celebrations for their employees, but few throw a birthday bash for the company dog. Precious, who has been featured in Time, Discovery, The New York Times and other media is a white 10 lb., half-poodle, half-Lhasa Apso, and one of the most valued employees at Vista del Sol, a long term care facility in Culver City, California.
Special Guest and direct from the set of "A Good Year" the new film staring Russell Crowe and directed by Ridley Scott is Joel Silverman, one of Hollywood's animal trainers (Dances with Wolves, Twister, Back to the Future). Joel, who has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and hosted the popular Good Dog U on Animal Planet, brings one of his own canine helpers and shares tips from his upcoming book, Companions for Life so that the residents and employees at the facility can benefit from his more than 25 years experience in helping them form deep, lasting relationships with their resident pets. Companions for Life establishes a lifelong relationship of love and trust between people and their pets.
According to studies, pet owners: visit the doctors less often and use less medication on average, have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure, recover more quickly from illness and surgery, deal better with stress and are less likely to say they are lonely.
Tuck-in Service, With a Canine Touch: Stella Henry, RN, BSG, LNHA, the founder and director of Vista del Sol and author of an upcoming book on elder care which will be published by HarperCollins in 2006 is a national expert on aging and has been featured in both the local and national media. Stella noticed the positive interactions that the residents had whenever she brought the family dog for a visit. Soon, pets of various kinds became regular guests at the center. Often, it is the residents' interactions with these animals that help to revitalize their mood and restore their memory. Precious makes the rounds at night, jumping up on beds to say goodnight. This unique therapy helps bring residents out of depression and isolation, and can make a huge impact on the quality of life for the aged. According to Stella, some of her most valued "employees" are dogs and birds.
Above: Precious makes the rounds, while
everyone enjoys their birthday cake.
Left: Joel Silverman and Stella Henry with two facility residents.
Photographer was on assignment for "Anthony Mora Communications, Inc."
All photos taken with prof. equipment
Horticultural Stock Photography, Design+Printing Service for Full Color Business Cards and Postcards, Seasonal Photo Greeting Cards, Event Photography and Oscars Pre-Event Coverage, Celebrities' Charities
