“I miss my own dog, so when the therapy dogs come, it truly brightens my day. We cuddle them, feed them, watch them play, but really, it’s their gentle presence that comforts us most. They bring a warmth we always welcome,” said Madam Mary Tan (not her real name).
For Madam Tan and many others at Peacehaven Nursing Home, the fortnightly visit from these furry friends is far more than a light hearted diversion—it is a moment of comfort, connection and quiet joy. As the therapy dogs pad into the room, tails wagging and eyes shining with affection, they bring with them a tender warmth that words can hardly capture. Each visit becomes a gentle reminder that companionship can take many forms, and sometimes the softest presence leaves the deepest impact!
“The fortnightly visit from these furry friends is far more than a light‑hearted diversion—it is a moment of comfort, connection and quiet joy.”
On the day of our visit, excitement rang through the corridor of The Salvation Army’s Peacehaven Nursing Home as staff rushed out to greet three furry visitors: Bella, a two-year-old Cavapoo; Bubblee, a six‑year‑old Shihpoo; and Autumn, a nine‑year‑old border collie.
The dogs, brought in by married couple Samuel and Audrey Lee—who worship at Wesley Methodist Church—together with another volunteer, Katherine Goh, are familiar faces here. Autumn has six years of experience in therapy visits while Bella and Bubblee have been serving at Peacehaven for the past two.
A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER
I first met Bella and Bubblee at MWS Eunos Nursing Home – Eunos in October 2025. There, they sat quietly during Sunday services, springing into action only when residents were free to mingle. At Peacehaven, though, I saw a different side: given free rein across several floors, they were boisterous, energetic and completely in their element.
Their antics amazed us all then and now—weaving between wheelchairs, springing onto laps and knowing instinctively when to move on to the next resident. Being sociable hardly begins to describe their temperament.
JOY IN MOTION
“It’s different strokes for different folks,” quips Samuel, watching the dogs burst into each room with uncontainable energy.
Smaller dogs Bella and Bubblee were placed gently onto residents’ laps to be stroked while Autumn, larger and calmer, lay beside residents to be patted. Laughter filled the corridors as the dogs tumbled through the nursing home like unruly dancers, their exuberance spilling into every corner. At other times, the dogs were doing high‑fives, being fed or taken for a walk in the ward by residents.
MORE THAN JUST PETS
The trio are part of Therapy Dogs Singapore (TDS), an outreach that receives requests from organisations ranging from MINDS Community Hub (Hougang) to NTUC Health (Tampines), Alexandra Hospital and even universities and schools during exam season.
Katherine explains: “Our dogs are family dogs that have been assessed to have a suitable temperament and are comfortable in different environments, including those with sudden loud noises or equipment such as crutches and wheelchairs.”
“Autumn, for example, has a calm, friendly and people-focused temperament. She is patient and tolerant with tight hugs, clumsy touches and repetitive patting,” she adds.
Samuel enthuses: “When Bella turns two, she looks set to be a TDS volunteer.”
“Our dogs are family dogs that have been assessed to have a suitable temperament and are comfortable in different environments.”
SERVING TOGETHER
While the dogs romp around, Samuel connects with beneficiaries by chatting and learning their stories. Audrey reflects: “At the end of the day, we hope that the beneficiaries will find their time well spent.”
Samuel adds a spiritual note: “We see ourselves as conduits. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6–8, ‘I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.’ We just do our little part by availing ourselves and our dogs, making contact and conversations with the residents, then leave Him to do the rest.”
For the couple, pet‑assisted therapy is an extension of their shared ministry. “As a couple, we relish serving together,” Audrey says. “The places we visit with our dogs are another outlet for us to serve and grow together in Him.
“We just do our little part by availing ourselves and our dogs, making contact and conversations with the residents, then leave Him (God) to do the rest.”
AN OPEN INVITATION
If you have a dog and would like to join this group, Samuel and Audrey will informally assess whether your dog can get along with others and with people.
It promises to be a paw-sitive way to serve with your dog. Hesitate no more—no hoops to jump through. Just bring yourself and your furry pal along to one such visit. You have nothing to lose and hours of joy to gain.
For more information on Wesley’s monthly service and pet‑assisted therapy at MWS Nursing Home – Eunos, please contact eunosnh@wesleymc.org.
Photos and video byJohnny Koh
