​A friend dog for a memory patient

Riina has been visiting the almost 80-year-old Marja (name changed) since spring 2017. Marja lives alone and has begun to feel a bit lonely due to her illness, so Rina's visit has become an important part of her life.

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Afghan dogs are not traditional companions and they usually choose their friends very carefully. Sometimes they don't wiggle their tail at all, some people usually just get a growl. Marja and Rina became good friends already in the first meeting.

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Marja lives in the Helsinki metropolitan area and Riina visits her twice a month. As Riina approaches the apartment building where Marja lives, she begins to get excited and breathes the scent of the familiar environment. At the house door, Riina is playing like an Afghan dog rarely shows and the whole character of the dog is sharpened.

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When the door opens, Riina presses her head against Marja's leg and Marja welcomes Riina with her hand reaching the dog and says: “Good girl, oh, you are so beautiful again today. I want to hug you when you come. Oh, come on, honey, let's move on ... "

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Then we move on and Marja sits in a big soft armchair and Riina puts her head in her lap. Riina never gets tired of gentle touches and cuddling with dear friends. Riina enjoys all the attention she gets.

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During the meeting, the dog owner gives Marja a small bag where she has loaded a suitable dose of dog candy, cheese, and other delicacies. Marja asks Riina to sit down, give her paw, lie down and roll. Each time the task is completed, the dog will receive more praise and candy.

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Riina's owner attends the meetings but keeps herself in the background. The most important thing is the elderly and the dog together. The meeting last about half an hour. It is a win-win situation for both parties.

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The project is financed by a private person who does not want to be named.