By Rick Wright

Staff Writer

Lacey is not your average dog. She has a very important job – making people happy. 

At a senior age of 11, the black and white Cockapoo relates well to residents she visits several times a month at the South Portland Nursing Home.

Her owner, Joanne Fyles of South Portland, started bringing Lacey to the home four years ago when her own mother was a resident and continued the tradition after her mother’s death.

“It makes me feel good,” Fyles said. “I want to give back something to the city. Most people do like dogs. She’s a conversation starter. You see how people open up to her.”

Lacey is warmly greeted by residents as she ambles in and out of each room. Some know her by name. Many know her by sight. 

Judy Noel, activities director at the home, said dogs have a calming effect on residents, encourage conversation and evoke pleasant memories of their own pets.

“Pet therapy has proven to be beneficial not only emotionally but also has positive effects on a person’s physical well-being,” said Cindy Scott, nursing home administrator. 

“Allowing pets to visit also helps to make the facility more like home.”

Resident Ethel Bouchard agrees.

“Lacey’s a doll. It’s very nice to have her come. We love to see her. She just loves you no matter who you are.”

A longtime dog lover, Fyles adopted Lacey, then 7, from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Fyles also has a Cavapoo, a cavalier spaniel and poodle mix, named Sara.

Lacey brings an impressive resume to the job. She has been certified as a pet therapy dog since 2007 by Therapy Dogs Inc. of Cheyenne, Wyo. A good temperament, quick response to commands and lots of obedience training make Lacey a particularly good pet therapy dog, Fyles said.

To qualify for certification, Lacey and Fyles had to pass a comprehensive handler/dog team test. The 10-part test, administered over a two-week period, covered everything from canine and human behavior to appearance.

“She passed with flying colors,” Fyles said.

During one recent visit Lacey walked into the nursing home and promptly ended up in resident Sally Flynn’s lap.

“She’s a good dog. I think it’s wonderful they let her come in,” Flynn said. “The people look forward to seeing her. She’s always been real friendly.”

Arthur Larochelle, a resident, said he grew up on a farm with cows, chickens and pigs but has always loved dogs. 

“They’re good company. I run to see them,” Larochelle said.

There’s no shortage of smiles and laughs when Lacey pays a visit. Everywhere she goes, Lacey shows affection by jumping, yelping, spinning and wagging her tail. Residents delight in talking to her, petting and sometimes even feeding her a dog treat.

Lacey begged for food as resident Jean Nitschke petted her and said, “I’m sorry I don’t have any cookies for you.”

As long as she is wearing her special coat that says “I am a therapy dog,” Lacey can go where most dogs cannot go, including airplanes, buses, taxis and stores.

In addition to her many visits to the South Portland Nursing Home, Lacey also has made one appearance at the oncology unit at Mercy Hospital in Portland. 

And once again, Lacey charmed her new friends.

“She was a star up there,” Fyles said.

Rick Wright can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 237 or news@inthesentry.com.