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Poland Shepherd residents relax with furry friends
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Kim Henry (right) of Animal Charity brought shelter kitten Ollie to visit the residents of Poland Shepherd of the Valley. Ora Schomer (left) and LeRoy Bartelmay (center) offered a careful but friendly hello to Ollie.
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Although Poland Shepherd of the Valley activities director Paula Blakeman admitted she was more of a dog person, she graciously held Ollie for a few minutes to say hello.
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Rachel Hoxworth (center) took a quick liking to Ollie, who didn't mind being hugged tight by Hoxworth.
By SARAH FOOR
Ollie was very excited to meet the residents of Poland Shepherd of the Valley.
Kim Henry brought the 6-month-oid cat from the Animal Charity Shelter to visit with the residents of the Poland facility on Dec. 30.
“We come to Poland to provide humane education and to talk about shelter animals and shelter care. But we also feel that holding animals is therapeutic for any person, young to old,” Henry shared.
As Ollie bonded with resident Irene Dent, curling up to cuddle in the crook of her arm, Henry smiled.
“I never get sick of watching the bonding that happens between the residents and the animals we bring for visits,” she said.
The staff and residents receive a visit from Animal Charity every month, and the shelter brings young dogs and cats, and exotic animals if any are available. Many of the residents said they would have preferred a puppy to visit them, but all of the residents nonetheless gave Ollie a friendly pet.
Ollie was comfortable being handled and took a special liking to his friend, Irene.
“I don’t think he wants to go back home,” Irene said.