Benchmark at Rye Gives Senior Dog a New Life

Drew Godfrey, director of community relations for Benchmark at Rye, knew just what to do when he heard through a friend about a 12-year-old Yellow Lab in need of a new home because her owner had suddenly passed away.

Godfrey, who has rescued many dogs throughout his lifetime, thought that residents at the Mind & Memory Care community could benefit from the therapeutic touch that only dogs and other pets can offer.

“Throughout my assisted living career, I’ve seen how healing dogs can be for all seniors but especially people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our residents have benefited greatly from regular pet therapy so why not make it a permanent part of our community,” he said.

In fact, according to a study published recently in JAMA Network Open, adopting a pet may help slow cognitive decline in older adults.

After speaking with the community’s executive director, Mallory Lord, who is also a dog-lover, Godfrey got the green light to make Ellie, the Yellow Lab, the newest resident at Benchmark at Rye.

Turned out that Ellie had a brother, Hobbes, who was homeless. Godfrey decided to play matchmaker.

He asked Julia Evans, Benchmark at Rye’s programming director, also a dog-lover, to become Hobbes’ new mom and she agreed.

Now at the community for a several weeks, Ellie has settled in nicely — enjoying frequent attention and treats from the community’s many residents, visitors and associates. She also has regular access to the community’s spacious, secure courtyard where she can run and play. More importantly, thanks to Godfrey and Evans, she even enjoys regular playdates with Hobbes.