Puppy Visits from CoCo’s Heart Rescue

The Villas of Oak Park residents look forward to their puppy visits from CoCo’s Heart Rescue twice a month! CoCo’s Heart Rescue brings in puppies that are currently up for adoption to visit and play with the residents.

Being with a dog can help reduce cortisol (a stress hormone), and help boost levels of the serotonin (the happy hormone). Dogs seem to have an instinct for when sad or frightened people need to be comforted. For seniors facing fears of the future or surgery, a pup can help someone stay in the moment. Dogs can also help relieve the stresses of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Patients with dementia experience bouts of agitation, and pups can help calm them down. Source: http://bit.ly/1dOgxm1