It’s a pleasure to be sharing in this special blog share, The 25 Days of Christmas, started by the Parga’s Junkyard Blog. I hope you check out the other blog posts sharing the holiday season with 24 bloggers who have joined forces to make this season a bit more magical..
The Bunnies of Christmas… Often the Holidays can be a difficult or lonely time for those who have no family or friends nearby, or are left behind because it is difficult to manage having one come to visit for a holiday visit-perhaps due to constraints of illness. Or sadder still, whether through ill family relations or neglectful family, the elderly or disabled family member is left behind. It is usually difficult for an elderly or sick person in a nursing home, hospital, or assisted living facility, who receives few or no visits, to watch others receive visits or go out during the holiday season. I have seen this first hand, having worked in nursing homes, a rehab hospital and mental health facility for about 18 years. Even the smallest gesture is appreciated by these people and can mean a lot. On the other hand, the warmth of a hug, for example, is nice when given by perhaps a staff person or visitor from a church, it is not always the same as when these people participate in interactions with animals. There is something about animals, that for most people will let them feel even more relaxed and free to enjoy the interaction than with people they aren’t as familiar with. Often times the results are amazing! For years, I have participated in pet therapy programs with various animals owned by facilities or more often with bringing in my own houserabbits (litterbox trained and all!). Come share this recent holiday season visit at an assisted living facility and feel the holiday magic yourself with….