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‘Thor’apy at Sherwood Assisted Living

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 22, 2021

By Michael Dashiell

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Sherry Barnhart, receptionist/administrative assistant at Sherwood Assisted Living, visits last week with Thor, a Maremma sheepdog who visits facility residents. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell
Susan Sorensen brings Thor, a Maremma sheepdog she and Don Sorensen own, to Sherwood Assisted Living last week. It’s the third dog Sorensen has brought to senior facilities to help lift spirits of the residents. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

A sheepdog in sheep’s clothing? That seems to work for Don and Susan Sorensen’s dog Thor, who prior to and after COVID-based restrictions has been a weekly visitor to Sherwood Assisted Living.

Thor, of the Maremma sheepdog breed, makes his rounds at Sherwood for about 90 minutes, saying hello and getting some attention at the facility off West Hendrickson Road.

Susan Sorensen said she started the tradition in the late 1990s while living in western New York state.

“Being a trained nurse I (thought I) could make someone’s life better,” she said in August.

Thor is the third dog she’s accompanied to senior living facilities.

Sorensen, also known as Sassy Susan during her regular broadcasts on KSQM 91.5 FM, has taken to calling Thor’s visits “Thor”apy on “Thors”days.

“He thinks everyone is part of his flock,” she said.

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