Art of Aging: Dog helps seniors with Alzheimer's

DUBLIN, Pa. (WPVI) -- A small package of joy is spreading the love at a senior living community in Bucks County.

Meet Sadie, a rescue dog who now lends a helping paw to others.

"You'll see smiles that you don't usually see," says Natalie Romano. "And if they are upset, when Sadie is with them, they forget about all that and just are having some loving."

Romano is Sadie's human, and also the executive director at Brookdale - Dublin, a senior living center that specializes in caring for patients with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia.

"Sadie is important to our residents here at Brookdale because it gives them so much joy and calmness," said Brookdale-Dublin Program Manager Kris Baker. "It really helps the residents feel like they are home again, because this is their home."

Sadie comes to work with Natalie every day, and there are definite perks to the job.

The residents shower her with affection - and lots of bacon.

"She loves the attention," says Baker. "And the residents love the attention right back."

"She is just happy to sit on their laps," said Romano. "She loves to go outside with them. She'll lick your entire face and give kisses, so they enjoy that as well."

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