When a Northumberland County resident who has dementia received a visit at his home from Northumberland Paramedics and therapy dog Ivy Joules, the resident was moved to lie down in the grass and rub the golden retriever’s belly.
The man and the pup began snuggling. He began recalling and vocalizing memories about his own former dog with the paramedic during the visit he received as part of Northumberland County’s community paramedicine program.
“He was eagerly awaiting this visit, and was very inquisitive, asking about Ivy’s training and who she goes home with,” Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown shared with kawarthaNOW. “He got right down on the ground with her at the end of the visit.”
Ivy joined Northumberland Paramedics as a therapy dog in 2023. Before the pandemic, Brown thought having a therapy dog to support paramedics would be a good idea. She originally bought another dog for that purpose but, with the restrictions of the pandemic, there wasn’t access to the necessary training and that dog, now five, is Brown’s own pet.
As for Ivy, she turned one this past July and her role has evolved to include doing home visits after she received a warm reception from paramedics, staff, community members and others she has met to date.
As a way to further spread the joy Ivy brings to people, Northumberland Paramedics is launching a “heartwarming fundraiser” to provide holiday meals for community members in need, by selling 2025 calendars starring the therapy dog.
“This initiative aims to spread smiles, laughter, and raise money for a good cause,” the county noted in a media release.
The 12-month photo calendar, available for $15 plus HST, “showcases Ivy’s big heart and huge personality.”
Her name, Ivy Joules, reflects vital treatments used in emergency care. “Ivy” refers to IVs used for intravenous therapy and “Joules” refers to the unit of power used to shock a heart using a defibrillator.
“Ivy has given our team so much joy over the past year,” Brown said in a statement. “With this calendar, we want to share her warmth and positivity with the community and help spread some holiday cheer.”
“With orders arriving in December, this calendar would be a thoughtful holiday gift for a dog-lover, or a cherished addition to your own home or office. Either way, it is sure to spread smiles and helps contribute to a meaningful cause.”
Brown regularly receives calls from staff members in a variety of the county’s other 11 departments who wish to have a visit from Ivy. Her presence has proven to be helpful for employees during stressful times, such as during budget preparations.
Ivy has also been a comfort to hospital staff during high-intensity paramedic calls that land her at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, Brown said. Ivy has been embraced by staff who have stepped out of the building to visit the pup.
Brown said Ivy has also had a big impact on clients of the community paramedicine program, a preventative care program that delivers non-emergency in-home health care directly to residents in need, including vulnerable community members and seniors.
“A client who lives alone initially seemed a bit unsure how to proceed with Ivy, but quickly warmed up when asked if she used to have dogs,” the chief said. “She started talking about old family dogs and was happy to give a treat to Ivy when offered. Ivy sat by her side for the whole visit and gave lots of kisses when welcomed.”
“This client spoke about how her granddaughter’s husband was sick in the hospital and was looking forward to photos of Ivy’s visit. She was very appreciative of the visit, and of the opportunity to share the photos. Not only was this visit meaningful for someone in our community, but it was also impactful for someone living across the province.”
As for the calendar, all proceeds will go towards purchasing holiday meals for vulnerable community members who may be spending the holidays at home, alone, or in need of food support. No determination has yet been made on the logistics of meal provision.
Those interested in a calendar can order theirs by visiting Northumberland.ca/IvyCalendar. Advance orders are available until November 15, with orders available for pick-up at the Northumberland County office (555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg) from December 2 to 20.
To see Ivy’s work with Northumberland Paramedics, follow her on Instagram @we.need.ivy.stat.
