Being showered in affection by a four-legged friend can make almost anyone smile, but its perks go far beyond that for some.
As research continues to show the extensive benefits of "pet therapy" for people with diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's, volunteers and psychologists are calling for more long-term care facilities to partner up with organisations that provide this service.
Alana Wade has seen firsthand how regular visits with her greyhound Tiffany have changed the lives of residents at Jindalee Aged Care Residence in Canberra's south.
She volunteers with Delta Society, a nationwide charity that is one of the few providing pet therapy in the capital.
"When people [with dementia] have their off days, pets can trigger them to come back to where they are and come back to reality, which is really nice," Ms Wade said.
"Tiff is really good at picking people who are not very well, so when we walk around I normally take Tiff's lead and she takes me to people that are stuck in bed or not feeling very well that day.
"She's very in-tune."
Ms Wade's pet therapy journey started when her animal-loving dad was diagnosed with cancer. Ms Wade thought about how seriously he would miss animals if he spent a long time in hospital.
"Thankfully he made it out the other side, but the experience taught me there are a lot of people in the same boat, and so I looked into organisations and we decided to join Delta," she said.
"A lot of people have had to give up their pets to be here, so having a dog come in absolutely brightens their day."
Jindalee's health and leisure coordinator, Richard Cummins, said visits from Delta Dogs gave some secluded residents something to look forward to.
"Some have become very isolated in their rooms, so the Delta dogs really break up that isolation," he said.
"Just seeing how it can change their lives and make them so happy and lives so fulfilling, it's a very fulfilling job."
This was exemplified by the beaming faces of several women as Ms Wade and Tiffany enter the Jindalee tearoom.
"How nice of you to visit," one woman said as she handed Tiffany a treat.
"Aren't you beautiful," another lady complimented.
Visually-impaired Jindalee resident Claire Smith moved to Canberra several months ago and said Ms Wade and Tiffany's company is the best part of her day.
"I don't know anyone here except the nurses, who are absolutely beautiful, so it's really wonderful being able to see Tiffany," she said.
"When you're here on your own it's really nice to get that visit."
Lower blood pressure and serotonin release among benefits
Research shows the benefits of pet therapy are wide-reaching. Not only do they include providing a sense of comfort, confidence and companionship, but also a number a medical benefits.
A new Australian-first study is examining how assistance dogs can help people with younger onset dementia, by sensing mood, tone of voice and anxiety.
University of Canberra psychologist Vivienne Lewis said this comes down to the strong olfactory response of canines.
"They can actually tell when someone is distressed, when someone is in pain, when someone is ill, and they can actually help that person go and get help," Dr Lewis said.
"People with dementia have quite significant memory issues and are usually disorientated and easily distressed, so the dogs offer stress relief, lower blood pressure, serotonin release and keep the person physically active.
"They can actually make a really big difference."
In the most intense levels of pet therapy, a dog can even help someone with dementia tap into repressed memories.
But Dr Lewis pointed out that the biggest impact occurs when the dog is around all the time — obviously an unrealistic expectation in places like nursing homes.
That is why she wants to see more pet owners getting their furry friends assessed to potentially offer therapy, and in turn help more people reap the benefits of regular visits.
"We know that one-off visits can help people relax and offer stress relief at the time, but with any therapy it needs to be ongoing to have that long-lasting effect," Dr Lewis said.
Ms Wade, who is one of the few volunteers who visit Jindalee and can only get there on weekends due to full-time work, could not agree more.
"This is honestly the best thing I do in my whole life," she said.
"I must admit some weekends I feel like doing nothing and I am so tired… but I come here and I'm so glad that I do.
"I think we're lucky in Canberra because we have an amazing community, but we really need to give back to that community. And seeing how Tiffany changes people's lives really makes it all worth it."
While not every dog can offer pet therapy, Delta Society can provide information on the assessment process.
