GREENFIELD — The field around Charlene Manor Extended Care on Colrain Road has recently become a weekend dog-walking route.
That’s not only because the area is large enough for dogs to run around. As a precaution against the coronavirus, Charlene Manor is closed to visitors, and residents are being instructed to stay inside.
When Shelburne resident Jackie Walsh, whose mother-in-law used to live in Charlene Manor, heard about this, she wanted to do something to brighten the mood there.
“I was trying to think of ways to interact with residents without entering,” Walsh said.
Walsh and a few of her friends in Shelburne regularly walk their dogs together. Although they couldn’t bring the dogs into Charlene Manor, they coordinated with staff that they would walk their dogs around the building, and interact with residents to whatever extent possible through their windows.
“I know people really miss their families but also their pets,” Walsh said. “It’s not ideal. It would be great if we could bring them in. But it’s a little bit of a diversion.”
For the past three Sundays at 11 a.m., Walsh and a larger or smaller group of other dog owners have visited Charlene Manor with their pets. Usually it’s about four or five people, she said. Walsh has advertised the walks on Facebook, and has gotten a few people from towns as far away as Florence to participate.
“Like everyone, I’m just trying to find ways to help,” she said.
Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.