Nurse’s pup makes care center her second home

Nurse's pup makes care center her second home

Rosie the dog has found her second home.

It's what she calls Emplify Health by Gundersen Care Center - Shields Avenue, where her owner Amy Stamschror works. Ever since the rat terrier/mini blue heeler mix was eight weeks old, Rosie has been accompanying Stamschror for her nursing shifts at the care center, and the pup has become a welcomed fixture that residents look forward to seeing each day.

"It wasn't our plan for her to become our nursing home pet, but we've actually created policies for her," Stamschror says. "It started when I first got Rosie, and a lot of residents love puppies and babies."

The joy of Rosie's visits

It started three years ago when Stamschror decided to bring Rosie to work with her one day. Immediately, the residents took note of her presence. Rosie made the rounds while Stamschror did her work, brightening the day of each person she visited. On the days Stamschror didn't bring Rosie, she heard complaints.

"Then they were like, why don't you just bring her every day," Stamschror says. "Rosie has just brought joy to a lot of residents, especially on move-in day."

Since those first days, Rosie has made herself at home at the care center. She has a bed in the corner of Stamschror's office with a few toys, which she'll occasionally carry out into the living room area to play with.

A furry friend for all

But that's not all. Staff will take Rosie out for a walk while they're on their breaks, and residents will stock their drawers with treats, coaxing Rosie for a visit.

"She comes in every day and goes up and down the hallways to greet residents and staff and often receives treats," Stamschror says. "There's a resident who even has a dog dish in her room … so she knows to stop by and get her treat for the morning. Our residents just light up when Rosie comes around."

Stamschror hears from a lot of residents who had pets in their home, but because of health issues, are no longer able to care for them. With Rosie, they're able to have a bit of that companionship again.

"Everyone here is her family," Stamschror says.

She'll go with Stamschror to the main hospital, too-basically, anywhere she goes.

"She's not technically certified as a therapy dog, but she provides a lot of emotional therapy to both staff and residents," she says.

And no one would have it any other way.