Molly and Lilly move into aged care

Two three-month-old King Charles Cavalier puppies are among the newest residents of Alino Living Killarney Court after a human resident purchased the pets for the aged care community to share.

The female puppies – who are called Molly and Lilly – join the aged care home’s other resident pets including cat Bella and budgerigars Elsie and Charlie.

Alino Living Killarney Court resident Peter Chambers purchased the pair as communal puppies for the facility, which is home to 68 human residents and located on the New South Wales central coast.

“Bella the cat is lovely, but I was missing having more friendly four-legged friends around,” said Mr Chambers who had enjoyed the companionship of dogs his entire life until moving to Killarney Court almost four years ago.

“I thought, I can’t be the only one who would love to see a dog around here, so I spoke with staff, and we made it happen.”

The well-behaved puppies are getting to know their environment – including by licking every piece of furniture – and settling in nicely, said Alino Living co-chief executive officer Greg Williams.

“Molly and Lilly have quickly settled into life at Killarney Court, often found nestled in the arms of residents during leisure and lifestyle activities and quietly watching from afar in their pen during mealtimes,” Mr Williams said.

The canine pair are part of the home’s engagement and therapy program, which aims to ensure residents continue to live fulfilled and positive lives after movng into permanent care.

“We know that a bond between humans and pets is great for mental health, for promoting engagement and for keeping a positive attitude, and it’s great for physical activity and movement as well,” Mr Williams said.

The addition of Molly and Lilly allows residents to continue their sense of ownership of a beloved animal without the burden of full-time pet care, he said.

Killarney Court is the first of Alino Living’s five aged care facilities to trial a permanent pet program but the provider anticipates introducing the program to the other homes.

“Dogs, particularly puppies, bring about such a positive and happy atmosphere and trialling this permanent pet program at Killarney Court is part of our strategy to implement initiatives that have long-term benefits for both our residents and our team, and that create a sense of what they would experience within their own home in the community,” Mr Williams said.

“We are really excited to continue to see how Molly and Lilly grow at Killarney Court and how they can continue to provide so much love to our residents.”

Main image: Lilly – a recent addition to Alino Living Kilarney Court

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