Woman, Dog Give Seniors Leash on Life

For the last four years, Ellen Covella and her dog, Boomer, have served as unofficial ambassadors of goodwill to many Camarillo seniors.

Covella first became involved as a volunteer with the Poinsettia chapter of Therapy Dogs International/Love on a Leash in 1993 and remains committed to the group’s outreach program.

“When I moved to Camarillo, I was looking for a volunteer outlet where I could bring two small children, and we’ve been visiting ever since,” said Covella, who was accompanied last week on her rounds by Eric, 10, and Caryn, 7. “I began teaching Boomer, and it took him about six months to finish the first [obedience] class. But as you live together, he learns more and more.”

Covella and her canine partner, an Australian shepherd, play balloon volleyball and hide-and-seek and perform other tricks for morning participants at Club Camarillo at the Camarillo Health Care District.

“Ellen is our core person, but she often brings other volunteers with her,” said Sharon Tatelman, assistant coordinator for the district’s Adult Day Support Services. “Because they come once a month, there is a growing familiarity between the Club Camarillo participants and the animals. You find that people who may not be responsive to other activities that are going on are very responsive to the animals.”