Meet Peanut, the Welsh pony. We held a country carnival today for our residents, and they truly enjoyed interacting with the animals. It was so neat watchjing their faces as they talked to them, and reached out and touched them. Animals are so therapeutic.
@allie912 In my opinion Allison, when a personb transfers into a nursing home, a signifcant loss of independence occurs, and it often triggers a feelings of rejection, like they have been betrayed by those they love, so they separate themselves and withdraw. The interaction they have with the animals is reassuring to them. They are non threatening, and when they touch them, and hold them, I believe it fosters a sense of, I am accepted. It is very calming. I have seen those who have been non-verbal, and when a puppy or kitten is placed on their lap, you begin to hear words again. For some reason it opens them up, a kind of awakening happens. Who can explain exactly how it works.
What a wonderful therapy for your residents. When my Mom went into the hospital before she passed there were many times they allowed her chihuahua Robin to come and visit. The other patients loved her. Nice capture.
How nice to see you and your photos here again! It's wonderful to read about the "carnival" you all threw for the residents...it sounds like a lovely place to live. I'm happiest around animals, too, so I hope in my waning years I can have opportunities like that, too! Your horse photo makes him look accessible enough to pet!
Nice picture Rick. I bet your residents must have looked forward to this occasion and I'm sure they enjoyed every minute of it. your right, it's been said that animals have a wonderfult affect on people, I have seen it with the elderly. the way you explained it to Allison says it all.
