Giant 106-Lb Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home.
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When you see a 100-lb dog, at first you’re like, “Whoa! That’s a big dog!” But this one particular big fella whose name is Winston is part of a breed called Great Pyrenees. They are massive, but they are incredibly friendly. Provided that you treat them right, of course. Winston is treated very well, and he’s got a great disposition for a dog who has spent time bouncing between two states.
He’s finally found a home in Texas, where he goes to nursing homes and visits people with Alzheimer’s and other illnesses. He’s a therapy dog and people just love seeing this friendly mountain of a dog. Usually, a lot of other therapy dogs are smaller, but Winston is a one of a kind. The residents love taking him for a walk. His calm personality is a perfect fit – he doesn’t get too excited. He also enjoys being around the residents.
Like some other breeds, he might have faced discrimination. Like some people are afraid of pit bulls, some may have shrunk away from his size. Fortunately, he gets to show what a wonderful dog he is at these homes. Maybe, resident by resident, he can change any concerns people may have. The fact that the nursing home even allows it is a good sign, though.
So, Winston’s got a home and a purpose to help live out his older years. What more can he ask for? I hope those folks know what a great dog they have. Maybe this will pave the way for more nursing homes to accommodate dogs his size. That would be excellent. Until then, he can only keep being the best Winston that he can be.
Love the Pyr's! We're down to two right now.
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Our male is about 120 lbs. The male we lost a few years ago topped out at 150.
As loving, and gentle as they are, they are pretty protective of their turf--no strays, no groundhogs or possums, allowed. We have to tell them a person they don't know is okay before they stop raising hell, which is a-okay with us out in the country. The bark is pretty intimidating. They are great house dogs--mostly just lay around.
Residents were allowed to bring their pets with them and in the nursing home part facility there was a hall with resident cats and another with two resident dogs. My grandmother eventually moved to the hall with the dogs lived and they spent time in my grandmother's room since I brought treats. The program was called "Noah's Oasis" and was a wonderful addition. Residents in that part of the facility could also "rent" a pet bird for company - and they were fed and their cages cleaned by staff. My grandmother named her pet bird Amelia (the family had a pet bird and a dog while her children were growing up) and it was a reminder of home. 
