Sheepdog making rounds at assisted living facility

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 22, 2021

SEQUIM — A sheepdog in sheep’s clothing? That seems to work for Don and Susan Sorensen’s dog Thor, who 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 she lived in western New York state.

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

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.