CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Man’s best friends last week made many new pals during a senior home visit.

With their handlers, seven service dogs from the Gold Rush Chapter of Canine Companions padded politely into Sunrise Senior Living of Carmichael. Seven tails wagged as memory-impaired residents cuddled and petted to their hearts’ content.

“There was lots of joy,” says Abby Johnson, a facility staffer who also who also raises Canine Companions puppies. “We heard stories about residents’ own dogs. Memory-impaired residents might not recall the presentation, but they relished such a tactile experience. The smiles said it all.

“As a handler, I bring my puppy Nectarine to work every day. She’s 12 weeks old and popular with everyone. Her temperament is a calming influence. Being raised with this community will make her an incredible service dog.”

The organization’s canines – mainly Labradors and golden retrievers – make visits to senior and nursing facilities as part of job training. After a 22-month learning curve, they leave trainers to enrich the lives of the disabled or to take on work in criminal justice, health care and education.

“We expose our dogs to as many ages and conditions of people as possible,” explains Abby Johnson. “Having positive experiences with seniors helps their development as future service dogs.”

Seven wagging tails left a facility filled with smiles. “My mom often says how much she misses her own dog,” said a resident’s son. “Today she got to cuddle and baby-talk for as long as she wanted. The puppies seemed to love her right back. It’s been ages since I’ve seen mom so happy and engaged.”

Canine Companions is a non-profit whose dogs provide millions of interactions in American communities every year. Learn about the group at www.canine.org

Sunrise Senior Living of Carmichael is located at 5451 Fair Oaks Boulevard.