Residents of a Werribee nursing home celebrated the second birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Cookie, a shih tzu-cross-mini chihuahua, turned two on Monday, sitting top of the table with residents who adore him at Mercy Place Wyndham.
The home’s lifestyle co-ordinator, Kerri D’Arcy, said Cookie is an important member of the Mercy Place family.
“Every day is his birthday … there is just so much love for him here, and it goes both ways.
“He gives a lot of love, and a lot of love comes back,” she said.
“He enhances the quality of life of residents.
“He shakes hands, receives body rubs … residents always stop in their tracks. He just always leaves a smile on their faces.”
Ms D’Arcy said Cookie can change the mood to one of happiness and laughter.
According to a federal government report, including pets in the daily lives of elderly people has many benefits. The study reports better physical, social, emotional, motivational and cognitive functioning in older people who have pets in their lives.
Cookie shared his birthday treats with residents and staff in the home’s cafeteria.
