Kay is a four-year-old Golden Retriever, who was recently adopted by one of the nurses who works

at the aged-care facility.

Unfortunately, Kay got very lonely when her new owner went to work so she would bark all day.

It didn’t take long for her to start to wear out her welcome in her new neighbourhood so she had no choice but to start accompanying her owner to work.

In her employment as a companion animal, Kay now spends five days a week at the aged-care facility where she enjoys the perks of her job - being petted and fed by the residents, but the advantages of Kay’s new position extend to the residents as well.

The tangible benefits of pet ownership have been confirmed by scientific research.

As pets provide companionship, encourage exercise and increase social interaction, their owners enjoy greater physical and mental well-being.

One of the nurses at the facility said the residents had been noticeably calmer since Kay had started coming.

“We all enjoy having her around,” said Elwyn Steele, a resident of the aged-care facility.

“She’s a particularly beautiful dog.

“She never gets upset and she greets everyone - men, women and children - affectionately.

“We keep what we don’t eat to give to her.”