Seniors Get New Service Dog

has a new resident named after the current season.

On Wednesday, residents at the senior facility welcomed Summer, a new service dog that met with some of the members in the memory day care program.

Summer is a labrador/golden retriever mix and was greeted warmly by The Chateau residents.

Mother and son pair Kim and Aaron Brewer of Granite Bay raised the puppy for 18 months through the Canine Companions for Independence program and Summer was matched with the Chateau in May, said Linda Zisko, the memory day care program director.

"I knew (Summer) would be a good friend to all of you," Kim Brewer told The Chateau residents.

The Chateau staff members led residents in a sing-along to "How Much is That Doggy in the Window?" with Summer barking on command.

"We are so appreciative," Zisko said. "A facility dog helps bring down anxiety levels, helps people talk who normally don't, helps with redirection and residents can take her for a walk."

The Chateau's memory day care program has about 30 clients, she said.

"Many older people have had dogs in their lives," Zisko said. "It's proven that animals are therapeutic; the dogs don't know these people have memory loss."