Two little white balls of fluff are bringing smiles to elderly people around Nowra.
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Caddie and Robert, a mother and son duo are trained therapy dogs and make it their mission to bring happiness to nursing homes.
Handler Di Milne said the pedigree shih tzus are loved by many for their kind hearts and calm nature.
‘There was a lady called Marjorie in Bupa who we visited for three years and she adored Caddie,” she said.
“Caddie knew where Marjorie was so she used to march into Marjorie’s room and Marjorie would put her hands either side of her face and kiss her and say ‘I love you Caddie.”
After Marjorie passed away Caddie attended the funeral where she received a special mention in the eulogy.
“It’s sort of like a moment in time where people just smile and remember their past and their own dogs.
- -Di Milne
Di said the breed is well-suited to the role of a therapy dog and had to pass a range of tests to take on the title.
“They had to pass 25 tasks like sit and come and they’re not allowed to be startled by noises or touching or tempted with food,” she said.
“We had to work as a team which wasn’t too difficult as we spent many years in the show ring and the most important thing is for them to show they have a stable temperament.
“A pedigree shih tzu is companion to people, they don’t need a lot of exercise and they just love laying down at people’s feet.”
The pair visit Jonathan Rogers GC House weekly as part of the Red Cross Community Visitors Scheme and have spent many special occasions such as Christmas and Anzac Day brightening up people’s lives.
“It’s sort of like a moment in time where people just smile and remember their past and their own dogs,” Di said.
“Yesterday one of the residents said the highlight of her week is the arrival of the coffee van and the visit of Caddie and Robert.”
