We are very happy to welcome Ginger to the Hale Makua Kahului family as our first ‘day dog’, which means that you can find her at Hale Makua Kahului Monday through Friday (except holidays). Ginger is the 14 week old Australian Sheppard puppy of care partner Julie LaCroix.
Julie was researching dog breeds that would be helpful with herding sheep. In reading more about Australian Sheppards, she found that the breed makes for excellent therapy dogs and had the idea of bringing in her dog to provide companionship for the residents.
Ginger happily accompanies Julie to work every weekday where she is greeted by the Adult Day Health clients, many of whom eagerly await her arrival. Jean Kenar (pictured right with Ginger on her lap) is one such person. She enjoys petting and holding Ginger. She shares that she used to have a Cocker Spaniel with the same name.
In the afternoons Ginger can be found in the Admissions office where she greets and gets to know new residents and their families. She brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Ginger is enrolled in puppy kindergarten and has learned to sit whenever someone passes by, so please feel free to stop and introduce yourself if you see her.
This is an example of Eden Alternative Principle 2: An Elder-centered community commits to creating a Human Habitat where life revolves around close and continuing contact with plants, animals and children. It is these relationships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living.
