Transitions Healthcare residents make chew toys for dogs
Dorothy Christopher pets one of the dogs that Brandy Ellerman of Lone Pine brought from Hound Haven to Transitions Healthcare in Washington. Also pictured is Betty Krol.
A group of dogs at Hound Haven plays with a chew toy made by residents at Transitions Healthcare in Washington.
Life for some residents at Transitions Healthcare of Washington has gone to the dogs.
But that’s a good thing.
Activity director Marie Guarascio recently enlisted residents’ help in making toys for neglected and abused canines that have found loving foster homes through Hound Haven, a volunteer humane rescue organization.
The residents donated nearly 45 chew toys to Brandy Ellerman of Lone Pine, owner of Hound Haven who has fostered more than 50 dogs in the past year.
“When we heard that there was a need, I knew the residents would be able to help out in some way,” Guarascio said.
The staff at Transitions donated a generous supply of T-shirts and blue jeans, which were cut into strips, then braided. Some of the braided “ropes” were then pulled through a tennis ball for a more elaborate toy.
Since a lot of residents don’t have manual dexterity, Guarascio taped one end of the material to the table, which made it easier for them to braid.
One resident told Guarascio that he used to braid for his daughters. He said, “Thank you for letting me do it again.”
Ellerman brought a few dogs to the facility so residents could see how much they enjoyed the toys. She said most dogs stay with her long enough to get healthy, spayed or neutered, and house-trained. Dogs with more serious health problems often find a permanent home with Ellerman.
“These are the best things ever,” Ellerman said about the chew toys. “They really love them. Many of my coonhounds and beagles have spent thier entire lives tied out to a tree or outside isolated in a tiny cage, and they have never even had a toy.
“It was very rewarding to see the dogs and the residents come together.”
Guarascio plans to make chew toys every four to five months to replenish Ellerman’s supply, especially since the residents had such a good time making them.
“The residents are thrilled when they’re doing something and I tell them it’s for somebody,” Guarascio said. “It gives them a sense of purpose.” Residents also are involved in other community service projects.
In early May, the residents packed more than 200 bags of cookies for Meals on Wheels, and before that, they separated nonperishable items for the Greater Washington County Food Bank, which rekindled some fond culinary memories among the residents.
“When you tell them what we’re doing, they perk up,” Guarascio said. “You wouldn’t believe the stories, wisdom and hearts they have.”