Caring Canines Sought for Calendar Supporting LTC Research

Several studies have documented the positive impact the presence of animals has on long term care facility residents. As a result, many facilities have resident animals or programs that provide visits from pets in the community at large; and some even allow residents to have their own pets (as long as they are able to care for them). Now the AMDA Foundation is seeking to document the role of dogs in enhancing resident quality of life and recognize those canine caregivers who make a difference in the lives of our elderly residents in long term care.

The Foundation will publish a calendar featuring photos and stories of these caring canines. Toward this end, the organization is asking AMDA members nationwide to nominate their favorite canines for inclusion in the calendar—including dogs that physicians or other practitioners own and take to their facility on a regular basis, resident canines that live at the facility, or residents’ dogs who are popular members of their community. If you have or know of a dog who makes a difference in the lives of long term care facility residents, the Foundation wants to hear from you.

You can send photos and stories (100-300 words) to calendar@amdafoundation.org. If you have questions, call Joanne Kaldy at 240-527-9848. Photos must be clear, high-resolution JPEG files. Only color photos will be accepted. Entries must be received no later than August 15.

The 18-month calendar will be sold to benefit the Foundation and support long term care research studies. The calendar will be available for sale in early 2010; and the Foundation will introduce the calendar at AMDA’s 2010 Annual Symposium.