Since the beginning of the year, Fred French has had a special Beau.
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When he walks in, his wolfish grin lights up the room and brings smiles to faces.
Scotch Oakburn College wellbeing coordinator Kylie Wolstencroft said the Irish Wolfhound-cross was a welcome addition to the Masonic Care Tasmania aged care facility resident each Thursday.
“Some residents say he is the highlight of their week,” Ms Wolstencroft, who is Beau’s owner, said.
“They save up treats for him.”
He visits Fred French with students from the college as a way of encouraging the students and residents to engage with each other as a community.
The six-year-old RSPCA rescue dog is undergoing a formal certificate as a therapy dog, and had a two week residential course coming up.
“He even has to sit exams,” she said.
She hoped he would graduate at the end of the year as a fully-fledged therapy dog, and he would start going to the college more frequently.
As he trotted around one of the lounge rooms, residents called out his name and stroked his ears before he moved on to share the love.
College student Sasha Yuvchenko, 12, said Beau was the perfect dog.
He was well-behaved and did not pull at the leash, Miss Yuvchenko said.
Student Chloe Leesen, 11, said he was a really sweet dog who enjoyed visiting the residents.
Facility manager Di McIntee said his visits eased the residents loneliness and brought a bit more love into their lives.
Residents knew when Beau arrived and often he found himself surrounded by people before long, she said.
“Everyone wants to pat him … he’s become an iconic character.”
It was the second year since the students had started visiting the residents.
The program had been popular with the residents and students, as about 80 students were now involved.
Resident Tony Crawford said his small dog Millie had helped him after his wife died.
Having Beau around reminded him of the little dog who now lived in Hobart with his daughter, he said.
“It’s nice for him to visit.”