The residents at Souris Valley Extended Care Centre's Alzheimer's unit have a new friend.

Brandy, a small, good-natured dog, has been coming to work with her owner, nurses' aid Margaret Strawford since February of 1999.

Margaret got Brandy from the Humane Society as a puppy, and soon discovered this was a special four-legged companion.

At the suggestion of a co-worker, Margaret brought Brandy to work with her one day to provide a different kind of therapy for residents. The residents took to the dog immediately.

"From day one it worked," said Margaret. "The first day she came, a resident who doesn't speak much noticed her, and smiled and put her hand out."

Of course, not all the residents are comfortable around dogs, and Brandy has learned not to bother certain people.

Brandy wears her "uniform" to work in the form of a specially painted white handkerchief. She gets excited and pesters Margaret with her impatience when she knows her owner is getting ready for work. When they pull into Souris Valley, she gets even more excited.

"I open the door and she's gone, waiting for me at the door to the building."

Brandy's gentle, loving manner has not only impressed residents but also staff members at Souris Valley, like Diane Herberholz.

"Everybody has been really happy to have her - everyone knows her name in the whole building," said Diane. "She's jut the perfect temperment for us here."

Animals are also brought into the unit by the Humane Society once a month.