Submitted photo From left are trainer Abby Fincham, life enrichment director at Mountain Memories, with Miss Annie, and trainer Donna Jones, director of activities at ERCC, with Miss Mollie.

ELKINS — The facility pets at Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center and its subsidiary, Mountain Memories Assisted Living & Retirement Center, are now officially certified therapy dogs.

Donna Jones, director of activities at ERCC, and Abby Fincham, life enrichment director at Mountain Memories, trained the dogs. Both passed the exam following an eight-week course.

Miss Mollie, a shih tzu and poodle mix, spends her time at ERCC, while Miss Annie, a labradoodle, lives at Mountain Memories. Both are 3 years old.

“The training was very in-depth,” said Donna Jones, ERCC activities director. “Teaching a dog is different; it was a lot of work for us trainers and the pups.”

Miss Annie is a rescue dog that was taken in by the facility. Miss Mollie was brought in for a visit by an employee when she was only 5 weeks old. The residents and staff fell in love with her quickly, and now she spends three days a week and special occasions at the facility. Both dogs love being outside with the residents and getting lots of treats, officials said.

“Our residents and everyone at our facilities just adore our dogs and the unconditional love that they give,” said Tara Shaver, ERCC Administrator. “The pups have no favorites, and they provide extra comfort and love to everyone.”

Miss Annie and Miss Mollie are used for animal-assisted therapy, which can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue in people with a range of health problems.

Animal-assisted therapy is often used in long-term care facilities and with people diagnosed with cancer, dementia, PTSD and more.

Both Miss Mollie and Miss Annie are available for visits to community centers, hospitals, schools and other facilities and organizations.

Please contact Jones with ERCC at 304-636-1391, or Fincham with Mountain Memories at 304-636-8600 if you are interested in engaging with the therapy dogs.