RTL visited the Belle-Vue care home in Echternach, run by Servior, where therapy dogs have become a regular and cherished part of life for resident – a growing body of research shows that animals can significantly reduce stress in humans.
Currently, four dogs make scheduled visits to the facility. Sandra Steffes, the home's director, explains that the dogs follow a rota to ensure they're not all there at once, allowing for more personalised interactions tailored to the residents’ individual needs.
While breeds such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers are commonly used for therapy work, Belle-Vue also welcomes other breeds. According to Steffes, residents are generally enthusiastic – she has never encountered anyone opposed to the dogs’ presence, adding that the animals act as wonderful ice-breakers between residents.
Nero and Buddy
Two of the canine regulars, Nero (a gentle Golden Retriever type) and Buddy (a French bulldog), visit every Friday with Sandra Stolz, a speech therapist. Stolz and her dogs trained at the Münster Institute for Therapeutic Education and Animal-Assisted Therapy near Heidelberg, and are now a certified "therapy dog team" under the German association Therapiebegleithunde-Deutschland e.V.
Buddy is notably the first deaf dog in Germany to pass this certification. Each dog’s training takes two years and focuses on impulse control, temperament, and resilience – key qualities since therapy dogs sometimes interact with people who may behave unpredictably or physically overwhelm them.
Not all dogs pass – the process is selective. Every two years, the dogs must retake a behaviour test. If concerns arise, such as a poor handler relationship or behavioural issues, their certification can be suspended. Therapy dogs are allowed to work in schools, clinics, and various care professions including speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and physiotherapy.
Stolz doesn’t always bring both dogs, it depends on the therapy session. Buddy tends to be more energetic and less verbal, while Nero is calmer and better suited to slower-paced interactions. Together, they make an effective duo.
Sessions typically follow a structured routine, beginning with greetings and then offering residents either passive or active contact. Cognitive and speech exercises are included, and staff often observe significant improvements in speech and engagement when residents interact with the dogs. Even when the dogs aren't present, they remain a topic of conversation and spread positivity throughout the home – for residents and staff alike.
Hygiene and welfare
Strict hygiene standards are in place. After any contact with the dogs, residents must wash and disinfect their hands, and all dog used objects are sanitised. The cleaning team is also notified to thoroughly clean the rooms used.
The dogs’ well-being is also prioritised – they are not overworked and only attend at set times. Afterwards, they return to being "just dogs" and can rest and relax.
Puzzle the Golden Retriever
Another visiting dog, Puzzle, is a Golden Retriever from the Friends’ Association of the School for Assistance Dogs (ASA) trained for two years by the association HandiChiens. He belongs to Jeanne Bourg, who volunteers with him in nursing homes and day centres, including Belle-Vue, where they go one or two times a week.
Puzzle works in group settings (about six to seven people) or in one-on-one visits. In group sessions, he might bring socks or gloves to residents or jump through a hoop held by their legs – activities that help improve motor skills. Afterwards, residents can stroke and pet him.
Puzzle also visits bedridden residents in their rooms. A towel is laid on the bed before he jumps up to join them, giving them the chance to enjoy physical contact, which is deeply comforting.
Bourg says people genuinely look forward to seeing Puzzle, whether in groups or privately.
Pets allowed
Belle-Vue also allows residents to bring their own pets, provided the animals are well-socialised and get along with staff and other dogs. At present, one pet lives full-time with its owner, and another comes during the day to be with its guardian.
Residents must be able to care for their pets themselves, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and have a backup care plan in place – such conditions are detailed in a separate contract.
Visitors to the home are greeted at the entrance by a “treat box”, which the visiting dogs know well – just one more detail that reflects how deeply animals are woven into daily life here, offering comfort, companionship, and connection to those who need it most.
