Bijoux Helps Others

Kings Point Life - April 2006 - Lifestyle

Bijoux is a nearly six year old Bichon Frise who resides in Yardley B. He has become a local celebrity, among many sick and elderly people.
Unlike most pets, Bijoux has a very important job. Bijoux has a very important job. Bijoux spends his time with his owner, Anne Louison at the Tamarac Rehabilitation & Health Center on Pine Island Road. He visits the seniors who love to talk to pet the little furry white haired odg with the black nose and the broad smile.
Bijoux is a certified pet therapy dog and loves every minute of his visits. But more importantly, he is helping people who are sick to get better.
"Some of the people can't remember their own names but they remember Bijoux," said Louison.
Bijoux and Mrs. Louison belong to a wonderful organization called Share-a-Pet, which is a non-profit Ft. Lauderdale based organization.
They can be reached at 954-630-8763. With the growing field of pet therapy and the aging population of South Florida, the organization can use all of the volunteer dogs and owners it can get.
"The therapy works two ways. It helps the patients and it helps the owners, who realize what a volunteer dog does to cheer up the sick and the elderly," said Louison.
Submitted by Anne Louison of Yardley