Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Muster Dogs stars Frank Finger, Annie and Lucifer visit Clermont aged care home

Canine celebrities give back to the community (ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

If you thought grazier Frank Finger and his kelpies Annie and Lucifer had already reached peak wholesomeness you were wrong.

The trio, who stole hearts in ABC TV's Muster Dogs series, has started nursing home visits to provide companionship and engage residents who spend most of their time inside.

"I just have an interest in that and wanted to be able to help," Mr Finger said.

"I've been wanting to do it all year but because of COVID we couldn't do it until [a few] weeks ago."

Mr Finger, a Clermont community stalwart, says he wants to give back. (ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

The working dogs swapped the paddocks for the Montcler Nursing Home, a small facility adjoining Clermont Hospital in central Queensland.

Mr Finger said the residents were all people he had done business with or were from surrounding properties.

"I know them all," he said.

"They're all people who've had a part, way back, in shaping what I am."

 Many residents were keen to get up close and personal with the celebrity kelpies. (ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

The canine celebrities made an impromptu visit to an Atherton facility in June, but Mr Finger said regular visits to see the residents in the local home were his priority.

"It is sad because last time you see them they're in the street and now they're here," he said.

"But that's life and if we can help, we'll keep coming."

Merle Pryde says it was lovely to have Lucifer on her lap. (ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

Merle Pryde, 96, has known Mr Finger since he was a little boy.

"It's always a joy to see Frank," she said.

"Some dogs are very shy, they won't go near anyone they don't know. But these dogs, they're very friendly.

Ms Pryde said spending time with champion muster dog Annie, named after Mr Finger's late mother, was a highlight.

"When my mum died early, Frank's mum did a lot of things for me," she said.

"She was a very good friend and a very lovely person, and so is Frank."

Ivan Bettrdige, 98, said he looked forward to future visits.

"They get to like you, they stay with you and starve with you.

"That's what dogs are like, they're very good."

Ivan Bettridge, 98, says it was "very good" to see Annie and Lucifer because he used to have his own dog. (ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

Benefits of pet therapy

Diversional therapist Claudia Stephson said finding ways to engage residents, tailored to their individual interests, was important.

"The daughter of one of our residents said Frank would be willing to come and visit and asked would we be interested — we jumped on that," she said.

"Pet therapy is wonderful and some homes have their own dog or cat, but a visit from dogs that you've seen on TV that just adds that little bit of extra spice."

Diversional therapist Claudia Stephson says pet therapy has lasting benefits. (ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

Ms Stephson noticed an immediate difference in most residents.

"It's uplifting," she said.

"It's not just for the three-quarters of an hour or an hour that he's here, it takes weeks for the effect to subside.

"The dogs by themselves would be wonderful, just the contact, it's very comforting.

"But the fact that most people know Frank, call him Frankie or knew his mum, know his family, compare notes about cousins — it makes it even more meaningful and he's quite a lovely bloke."

Not only did the residents enjoy seeing Annie and Lucifer, they were delighted to chat with grazier Frank Finger. (ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

Mr Finger said the kelpies could tell which residents were keen to interact.

"I think [Annie and Lucifer] were accepting it — they probably don't know what it is but if we make these regular visits they'll probably look forward to it just as much as the people," he said.

Watch Frank Finger and his beautiful dogs in the much-loved ABC TV Series Muster Dogs on ABC iview.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.