Residents at Greenbriar adopt Tootsie the rabbit

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Residents at Greenbriar Healthcare Center in Boardman adopted a 9-month old lionhead rabbit from New Lease on Life, Youngstown. While many facilities host therapeutic pet visits, Tootsie is unique because she lives permanently at the Center, and residents take care of her daily needs. Many residents like Patricia Sauceman, above, cuddle and pet the rabbit. Research has shown that interacting with pets can be beneficial for the elderly, especially those living in nursing homes or assisted care facilities. Some of the benefits associated with pets are lowered blood pressure, lowered stress levels, reduced anxiety or depression and decreased loneliness.