Walking through the halls today seeing patients at a nearby residential senior facility, I noticed an orange tabby hanging out by the bird cages. His body was lazily leaning up against the bottom of the cage, gazing longingly at several small birds tweeting overhead. He seemed relaxed and the staff acknowledged the cat as he continued to stare at the birds.
I asked one of the nurses about the cat because I thought that pets had to stay in the rooms of their owners, while at the nursing home. The nurse stated that this was correct, but the owner had passed away some time ago, and the family did not want to take the animal with them. The patient had been a resident of this center for many years, along with her cat.
So, the staff made the decision that they would keep the cat. He roams the hallways, checks in on other patients, and lies around all day looking at those darn birds. He is a pressure relief for the busy staff who swoop down to pet and talk to him to ease up their busy days. He is a calming friend to those sick in the nursing home.
On my way back to the clinic, I went the long way around, bent down and pet the cat behind his thick ears. He purred in response, stretched, and then continued to eye those darn birds. Really needed that laugh today!
So, this senior facility really does care and takes care of “everyone”!
Kristie is a staff Audiologist at Cardinal Hearing Centers. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!!
Dr. Rich Reikowski, Au.D
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