Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Walker the dog brings happiness to CMHC residents
Alice Krikke lets out a laugh as Walker the dog gives her a kiss at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley.
John Blair was happy to receive a lap visit from Walker during one of his stops to Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley.
Marj Hengeveld gives Walker the dog a treat during his visit to her room in January.
Arin Miller
It's often said the simplest things in life bring the most joy. At Community Memorial Health Center, that joy is brought in with a leash and a collar.
Walker the dog has been visiting residents at the facility once a month for the past year. His owner, CMHC office manager Arin Miller, previously brought her other dog on visits prior to his death last April, and she wanted to continue that outreach after she adopted Walker.
"Walker has his own personality and he is very smart, loving, quirky and playful," Miller said. "The residents light up when they see him."
Like the residents he visits at CMHC, Walker has an interesting background. Miller adopted him last spring from the Rockwell City Prison Program. There, shelter dogs live with inmates who coach them on commands, house-training and socialization skills.
"The dogs live with them and are part of their everyday living," Miller explained.
Walker is a dog of the people – he loves meeting new friends, and they love meeting him. CMHC activities director Kris Todd said some residents browse the monthly activities calendar just to see if Walker will be visiting.
"Once such a visit is found, those individuals will often highlight, circle and star that day on their calendars," she said. "When Walker visits with Arin, for many, it is a day they truly look forward to. Some wait well in advance of his scheduled time to visit just because they don't want to miss him."
Walker performs tricks, receives pets and offers kisses to his adoring fan club at CMHC. Todd said residents often tell him stories and give him plenty of treats during each visit.
"The memories he evokes are precious and often verbally shared," she said. "He, in turn, takes it all in and loves in return."
Miller plans to keep bringing Walker for as long as he's welcome. Based on the attention he receives each time he walks through the door, she expects his invitation will be indefinite.
"The smiles, giggles and happiness he brings to the residents are my favorite part about bringing him," she said. "It's amazing to watch how he brightens the residents' day."
