Kuri the kelpie cross, wearing reindeer antlers and tinsel, has brought festive cheer to a retirement village in Darwin.

Residents who were spending the day in the facility recognised the cunningly disguised canine.

"Kuri visiting is something to look forward to," says her owner, Emma Host. ( ABC News: James Purtill )

Her owner, Emma Host, has been bringing Kuri about once a fortnight for 18 months.

"You see their faces light up when you walk in the door," she said.

Even without mistletoe, retirement village worker Chris Cardwell gets a festive kiss from Kuri. ( ABC News: James Purtill )

The health related benefits of a companion animal ownership, known as the "pet effect", have been well documented.

"A lot of people have owned pets their whole lives," Ms Host said. "But when they move into a home and have this massive lifestyle change, they can no longer have pets.

"Kuri visiting is something to look forward to."

Kuri has also been trained to stand with her forepaws on the wheel of Leo King's wheelchair. ( ABC News: James Purtill )

Dogs are non-judgemental companions, Ms Host added.

"Unlike most people, they do not change their behaviour because they're in a retirement home," she said.

"But Kuri does change her behaviour based on the person.

"She's very gentle with the elderly."

Valma Gibb (in wheelchair) was being visited by family including daughter Georgia (front) when Kuri arrived. ( ABC News: James Purtill )

Una Nolte, who had been alone in her room, said Kuri was the highlight of her week.

"To think of me not smiling," she said. "And on Christmas Day."