In Williams Lake, British Columbia, a special bond between a therapy dog and her owner is bringing much-needed comfort and joy to local seniors. Amy Jordan, a veterinarian, and her dog, Selkie, a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, have been spreading warmth at the Williams Lake Seniors’ Village for over two years.
A Perfect Match: Amy and Selkie
Selkie’s laid-back, gentle nature makes her an ideal therapy dog, despite the fact that her breed is typically known for high energy. Amy Jordan, who works as a veterinarian, describes Selkie as having always been a “bit of a grandma”—calm, easygoing, and drawn to people rather than dogs. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Amy realized Selkie had the perfect temperament to work as a therapy dog.
“She’s wonderful for people who are a little timid or who aren’t quite comfortable, because she does move slower,” Amy explains. Despite Selkie’s typically more energetic breed, she loves interacting with people, and this gentle disposition makes her an ideal companion for seniors.
Therapy Dog vs. Service Dog
It’s important to distinguish between therapy dogs and service dogs. While service dogs assist with specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs like Selkie are there to provide emotional comfort, reduce stress, and bring joy. In Selkie’s case, her role at the Seniors’ Village is to brighten the day of each resident, whether they need a gentle cuddle or simply her calming presence.
Selkie’s visits follow a comforting routine. After being greeted by the receptionists, she leads Amy from room to room, where she interacts with various residents. Sometimes, she’s especially excited to meet someone, and other times, she senses when a resident may need a little more peace, offering quiet company and even lying next to them.
“She’s 100% a different dog for each person and also for how they’re feeling,” says Amy. “She tends to really read the room.”
Building Relationships with Seniors
One of the most rewarding aspects of their visits has been building relationships with the residents. Amy recalls how one man, who initially never made eye contact or acknowledged them, eventually began responding to Selkie and even engaging in conversation. For this man, Selkie’s weekly visits became something he looked forward to, marking a significant breakthrough in his social interactions.
“She’s fantastic with the residents,” said Vickie Kornelsen, the therapeutic recreation manager at the Seniors’ Village. “It’s a great opportunity for them not only to pet the dog but to meet someone so kind.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Therapy Work to Schools
While their current focus is on the Seniors’ Village, Amy and Selkie are looking to expand their work to schools, where they hope to bring the same comfort to children. Although Selkie also participates in agility competitions, Amy notes that her laid-back nature sometimes leads her to sniff around instead of focusing on the task at hand.
Selkie’s relaxed approach isn’t just appreciated by seniors—it’s also made her part of a larger animal therapy initiative in Williams Lake. Jordan works alongside other therapy dog teams under Karen Wright, who helps facilitate the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program in the South Cariboo region.
Together, they are all helping to improve the emotional well-being of those in need through the healing power of animals, with Selkie leading the way.
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