Bernese Mountain Dog Stories

​Archie
The Irish Therapy Dog

When Archie first arrived into our household, the bundle of fluff that is Archie just melted everyone’s heart. Everywhere we went, people stopped us to pet him and compliment him on his big smile and calm, loving nature. We ensured that we socialised him early on from a pup, so that he was used to people and other dogs. This just came naturally to Archie, as everytime he met someone, he would go over to them sit on their feet and do the ‘Bernese Lean’. He also loved playing with other dogs, regardless of their size!
From an early age we started training Archie basic commands like sit, wait, stop, lie down, give the paw, and then as he picked the basics up we thought him a few tricks, like giving High Five, changing left and right paws, and then a full routine of circling a person, going through their legs and lying down.  This kept him alert, entertained people and ensured my pocket was always full of treats, otherwise he would do the Bernese Stare, meaning do you really want me to entertain people and not be fed!
Archie has a beautiful temperament and he just loves everyone, his patient, calm and affectionate nature brings smiles and joy to everyone he meets. He is a gentle giant whose happy face lights up the room when he enters and he is the source of endless comfort, happiness and pure delight.
As we noticed the smiles on peoples faces when they met him or even seen him in the park, we thought wouldn’t it be nice to bring Archie to a Nursing Home, and let the residents enjoy the comfort and joy that he brings to everyone else that he meets.
After a bit of research, I saw that Irish Therapy Dogs were looking to recruit new volunteer teams to visit local nursing homes. I made enquiries and spoke to the lovely Brenda, who talked me through what was involved. Myself and Archie went for an assessment to see if we were a suitable volunteer team. Brenda asked me a few questions and Archie was just his normal charming self – we passed with flying colours!
We then had to wait for Garda clearance, Archie’s took a little bit longer as he was known to the local Gardai for licking people, leaving balls of black fluff everywhere and sitting on strangers feet.
We were assigned to Ryevale Nursing Home, where we visit every Tuesday for 1 hour. From the moment we walked through the doors everyones faces just lit up. We were introduced to the Residents, and Archie put on his usual charm and just melted everyones hearts. He is very calm and gentle around Residents and he leans in close to all the lovely Residents so that he can get the rubs and cuddles. He is now part of the Ryevale family, and Residents, Staff and Visitors all wait eagerly for the big ball of fluff to bounce through the doors.
“Archie comes to see us every Tuesday. He is a very good dog and very well behaved. Everybody loves to see him coming”        Christina (resident)
“Archie is a beautiful dog. It is a pleasure to have him come in to visit us. He always puts a smile on everyones face. We love to see him coming in. He lifts everyones spirits”       Kathryn (resident)
 
“Archie is such a beautiful gentle giant, he really brings so much joy to everyone that he visits. From giving high fives to doing tricks or simply just getting and giving cuddles. All residents, staff and visitors love to see him coming in.”
Suzanne (staff)
 
“Since the beginning of 2025, Paul and his wonderful therapy dog, Archie, have been visiting Ryevale Nursing Home and what a difference they've made. From their very first visit, Archie brought both smiles and tears to the faces of our residents and staff, tears of pure joy and happiness. Archie has been more than just a visitor, he's become part of our extended family. His gentle presence and loving nature brighten every room he enters. Each week, we look forward to their visit, and it has truly become a highlight for everyone at Ryevale. We are incredibly grateful to Paul for sharing Archie with us and hope their visits continue well into the future.”           Antoinette Gallagher (manager)
 
I would encourage anyone with a gentle giant like Archie to contact Irish Therapy Dogs, and help bring joy to a nursing home near you.