Pet Therapy Bulldog Makes Patients Smile at New Bedford Health Facility

Addison, a 2-year-old, 50-pounds female English bulldog offered slobbering kisses to the patients during a recent visit.

According to Southcoast Today, Addison’s owner, Mark Haskell, serves as president of corporate affairs and government relations for Stat-Southcoast EMS and its sister company, Coastline Ambulance Services. With him certification in pet therapy from the Community College of Rhode Island, he will bring Addison to hospitals and nursing home facilities affiliated with Stat-Southcoast EMS.

Addison “does wonderful things’’ for the patients, said Buffy Mosio, recreation director of New Bedford Health Care Center. Interacting with patients with dementia can help 'pull them out'.

During Addison’s visit, patients spoke of animals they had owned and their happy interactions with them. One man beamed as he recalled his German shepherd.  Pets can also help with physical therapy. The motion of feeding the dog or patting its head can help loosen stiffness in the hands.

Haskell said that Addison is not always perfectly behaved at home. Her hobbies include chasing the cats. “But as soon as I get the harness on her, her personality changes,’’ Haskell said. And once she arrives at the facility, “she works the room.''

Addison will continue to brighten the patients day at New Bedford Health Care Center.

Additional Reporting by Kiah Heron