Facility: Cascade Creek Memory Care, An Anthem Community 

By: Tiffany Bell
Executive Director 

Why did you want to bring therapy dogs into your facility? 

We brought therapy dogs into our community because we believe deeply in the power of connection; not just between residents and “man’s best friend,” but in fostering a sense of purpose and giving back. It wasn’t solely about the joy of seeing a tail wag or feeling a soft muzzle on a hand, though those moments are priceless. It was about creating opportunities. Working with Alliance of Therapy Dogs during the certification process, our residents living with dementia can still contribute, partner, and be part of something larger than themselves. The dogs bring comfort. But in return, our residents can help shape these therapy animals for the good of the world beyond our walls.  

How long have you had therapy dog visits at your facility? 

Therapy dogs have been visiting Cascade Creek Memory Care for over 4 years now. I’ve had the personal privilege of working with Don Vaughan for much longer than that. Don has been a cornerstone of this journey, thoughtfully connecting communities like ours with animals that bring healing, laughter, and solace. His support of not only Cascade Creek but also Alliance of Therapy Dogs has been truly instrumental, and I’m so grateful for the partnership and heart he brings to every visit. 

Did you run into any complications when starting a therapy dog program? 

We were very fortunate that starting our therapy dog program didn’t come with many complications. The main concern we continue to be mindful of is creating a calm, safe environment during therapy dog visits. Since families are allowed to bring in their own pet visitors at times, it’s essential that when the therapy dog is visiting, other animals are kept out of that space. It’s a simple precaution, but an important one to ensure that the therapy dog can focus entirely on the residents and that the space remains predictable and peaceful for everyone. 

How long are visits and how many dogs do you have visit at a time? 

The visits are flexible. They vary based on resident needs. Some interactions are just a few minutes, a gentle hello and a nuzzle. Others can stretch upwards of 20 minutes or longer, especially when a resident really connects with the animal and needs more time. We almost always have just one dog visiting at a time. This approach allows the dog to remain focused, to be fully present, and to give each resident the attention and connection they deserve. 

Do you have a specific therapy dog visit that touched you?
We had a resident who had built a beautiful bond with a therapy dog, a connection that continued long after the dog had officially completed its certification. This dog and its handler kept coming back week after week, deepening that relationship over time. As the resident neared the end of their life, words had mostly fallen away. He was no longer able to participate verbally. But love – love doesn’t need words. On one of those final visits, the handler brought the dog into the resident’s room. The resident, lying quietly in bed, managed to extend his hand to the side. The dog leaned in, pressing its head gently into his palm. It was a moment suspended in time, 1 final, meaningful connection. It touched all of us who witnessed it, family, staff, the handler and I have no doubt that the dog, too, understood the sacredness of that moment.