Happy morning everyone! We’re glad you’ve joined us again as we explore the latest happenings in the Emotional Support and Service Animals community. This week, our newsletter highlights the journey of a rescue cat who went from a shelter to an assisted living facility in Pennsylvania as part of their therapy animals family.
Calm Therapy Cat Helps Bring Comfort To The Residents Of A Personal Care Home
A nursing home in Pennsylvania recently welcomed a unique new member to its team: a rescue cat named George. The feline has wholeheartedly embraced his role as a one of the therapy animals that help alleviate the residents’ symptoms and provide companionship. His presence has already made a notable impact, bringing comfort to the community.
George’s journey to Forest Hills Home began when an animal rescue shelter took to Facebook to search for a new home for the cat. The post quickly gained attention, with many members tagging Forest Hills as the ideal new workplace for George as the nursing home has a reputation for integrating animal therapy into its care practices.
“Animal therapy is not new to us. We are known locally for our Therapy Animals,” said Brianna Kish, Forest Hill’s Activity Coordinator. The facility is already home to several miniature horses, chickens, bunnies, and a variety of birds.
Though George is a recent addition, his positive influence is clear for the staff to see. The cat’s calm demeanor and affectionate nature have helped significantly, especially among residents with Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive impairments. According to Kish, the animals are an effective tool for redirection and emotional grounding.
“When someone with advanced Alzheimer’s is having a difficult time, feeling agitated or upset, we often use the animals as a calming presence. Sitting down with a cat like George for a few minutes or interacting with our bird can transform their mood entirely,” Kish shared. “The change is often extraordinary, and it’s heartwarming to witness.”
The facility’s mixed collection of Therapy Animals plays a crucial role in keeping residents engaged. Whether it’s watching the chickens or stroking George’s soft fur, the interactions offer meaningful moments of connection.
While Forest Hills isn’t actively seeking additional animal employees, they remain open to new possibilities. “God works in mysterious ways,” Kish stated. “We weren’t actively looking for George, but he came into our lives at just the right moment…”
Source: McKnights
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
The presence of therapy animals in retirement homes is becoming popular as facilities recognize the benefits these pets provide. This is particularly true for residents experiencing loneliness, depression, or cognitive decline. Interacting with animals can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve social interaction among residents.
Although George is being used as a therapy animal by the staff of Forest Hills Home, the calming role he has with his presence is similar to what emotional support animals can provide to individuals affected by emotional or mental health disabilities. Getting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) as part of your treatment care plan has never been easier. If you’re living with emotional or mental health challenges, an ESA could ease your symptoms and help you live a happier, fuller life. If you’re ready to start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional, who will have a consultation with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your Emotional Support Animal letter in no time. CertaPet team of experts is ready to help you along every step of the way including in cases in which an ESA letter might get rejected.