COEUR d'ALENE — Bingo at Ivy Court is a hit with the residents.

It's a fun social activity, but bingo also means Wendy the therapy dog will be visiting.

"She’s our bingo dog,” Ivy Court activity assistant and Wendy's owner Shawna Vargovich said Thursday.

"We play bingo on Thursdays," Vargovich said. "It’s one of our biggest activities, 20-30 people, and she just roams around. She loves taking her pick of the stuffed animals. She’ll grab one and truck it around. She gets the most pets on Thursdays."

Wendy, a nearly 2-year-old golden retriever, nonchalantly listened as she sat near her owner, resting her head near her Lambchop stuffed animal. With a sweet and demure demeanor, Wendy lights up every room at Ivy Court, for residents and staff members.

"I've seen a lot more smiles," Vargovich said. "I've had residents cry and be like, 'Thank you for bringing her in, I miss my dog, I had a golden.' It's opened up memories, reminiscing. Residents will come in here on Thursdays and say, 'Oh, Wendy, just what I needed. I've had a bad morning. You make my day better.'"

It definitely helps that Wendy is adorable.

"She’s too cute for her own good," Vargovich said with a smile. "That’s how she gets everything she wants."

Wendy is the first official therapy dog at Ivy Court, an 80-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that is part of the Caldera Care Community.

Vargovich and Wendy underwent Certified Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals training via Caldera Care and became certified in August, although Wendy has been a frequent visitor since she was a puppy. Wendy now has her own Ivy Court badge, complete with her photo and facility credentials.

This program, sponsored by Caldera Care, supports the mission to offer innovative and resident-centered care across its facilities. 

“Incorporating certified therapy dogs like Wendy is a transformative way to enhance the lives of our residents,” Caldera Care brand specialist Tatjana Luethi said in a news release.

Unlike volunteer therapy dogs, the Certified Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals designation recognizes professionals across various fields, including health care, education and mental health, enabling certified handlers and animals to provide structured, impactful therapy.

"I like her, she brings everything together," Ivy Court resident Sharon Johnson said. "She's more like part of the family."

Vargovich takes Wendy through the facility to say hello to residents. Two good friends Wendy has made are Carolyn Howard and Barbara Osmun.

"She's a sweet dog," Howard said. "I have doggies at home, but not this sweet."

Wendy jumped up on the bed with Osmun to hang out and enjoy a snack.

"I'm a country girl and grew up on a farm with a lot of dogs," Osmun said, then handing the polite canine a Cheeto.

"I think it's fun," Osmun said, smiling. "She'll just come in and get on the bed, we say our adieus and then she goes and looks for her mom."

Wendy's intuitive nature and love for people make her a natural therapy dog.

“Wendy has a special way of knowing who needs a little extra love," Vargovich said. "Watching her bring smiles and comfort is the highlight of my work."

    Speech therapist Nancy Hill stops Thursday afternoon to say hello to sweet-tempered therapy dog Wendy, a much-loved addition to the Ivy Court team.
  

Shawna Vargovich and her golden retriever, Wendy, a certified therapy dog, take a stroll through the Ivy Court halls Thursday afternoon.

Activities assistant Shawna Vargovich smiles as her certified therapy dog, Wendy, rests her head by her Lambchop toy Thursday. Wendy, nearly 2, brings joy to Ivy Court residents each week.