Betty Lou’s Poodle-oos Halloween parade goes to nursing home

Betty Lou’s “Poodle-oos” may sound like a funny name, but they’re actually a group of therapy dogs bringing smiles to folks in nursing homes across Delmarva.

Betty Lou Stratton, owner of “Betty Lou’s Poodle oo’s,”  brought a fleet of fluffy pups to the Country Rest Home in Greenwood for a Halloween dog parade on Monday.

Her poodles were dressed head to toe in costume to add some fun to a regular Monday afternoon, and possibly some health benefits as well.

Studies have found that heart attack patients who own pets live longer than those who don’t. Researchers say petting a dog can reduce blood pressure, and human-dog interaction release oxytocins creating powerful social attachments.

Rosemary Winchester, a resident at the Country Rest Home says, “It’s great when they come. Everybody just cheers up and when everybody sees their faces, they just light up.”

If anyone is interested in having Betty Lou’s *poodle-oos* therapy program stop by your local nursing home, you can contact her at 410-479-5665 or at thetractlady@yahoo.com