BONNERS FERRY — The Boundary County Community Restorium has a new furry employee named Frasier working as a companion for residents.

The 4-month-old Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix is a hypoallergenic dog; According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 10% of the U.S. population is allergic to dogs.

While there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, many breeds do well with allergy sufferers.

Dander, which is attached to pet hair, causes most pet allergies in humans, and these dogs have a non-shedding coat that produces less dander.

According to the Restorium’s news release, “His job duties include playing fetch, looking cute, cuddling, eating treats when the residents sneak them to him and catching a nap on resident's laps whenever he gets the chance.”

The residents feel he is meeting and exceeding expectations in all his duties at the Restorium.

Frasier was purchased privately and donated to the Boundary County Community Restorium. He currently works 40 hours a week and enjoys his evenings and weekends off living with a staff member’s family on their farm when he's not on the job.

Many residents and staff see Frasier as a welcoming feature to the community for a positive change.

“During these tough and trying times of the Covid pandemic, Frasier has been a welcome addition to the Community Restorium family bringing smiles and companionship to residents and staff alike.”

Research conducted by pets for the elderly, stroking and even talking to a pet lowers their blood pressure and heart rate.

When a person is stroking a pet, a chemical reaction occurs, and a high level of mood-enhancing hormones, such as serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin are produced, while fewer stress hormones are released.

“On behalf of the staff and residents of the Boundary County Community Restorium, we would like to send out a big heartfelt thank you to the family who donated Frasier and to Dr. Hall and the wonderful staff at Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic who offered to provide all of Frasier's veterinary needs.”