Recently Chaplain Sherman Ramsey was waiting for an elevator at the Christian Health Center in Corbin. He overheard a conversation between two staff members, Kirsten Rains and Mckenna Rains, regarding a brand-new baby goat they played with recently. Their conversation sparked Sherman’s interest because of articles he recalled reading about the benefits of pet therapy for seniors, such as increased mental stimulation, increased socialization, and enhanced emotional well-being. Snuggling with a furry friend can make any day feel better! This mother and daughter duo bring wonderful resident and staff engagement opportunities to the senior living community which is always appreciated.
Sherman asked them if they would consider bringing the baby goat to the Christian Health Center for a visit in the courtyard with residents. Big smiles appeared and the two agreed they would help make it happen for the residents because they enjoy creating fun and memorable moments. Mckenna started getting the event organized along with her coworker Vanessa King. They visited the Danielle Jackson Farm and worked on the event details.
At 2 pm on June 24th the residents gathered on the outdoor patio awaiting the arrival of a baby goat. When two baby goats arrived, the fun doubled. The laughter was contagious when the residents realized there were two baby goats, a brother and sister named Reba and Toby Keith. Residents shared squeals of delight and exchanged smiles. The baby goats were passed back and forth and when Reba and Toby Keith couldn’t see each other, they would serenade everyone. One resident held Reba for a long time and every time she bleated, she would say “Now hush up, no one wants to hear that.”
Rambunctious and playful nature was exactly what Reba and Toby Keith brought the day of their visit. They frolicked and jumped around and wore themselves down to where all they wanted to do was sit in the residents laps and cuddle. During the visit and off to the side was a familiar site, two male residents were sitting quietly reading their Bibles. One joked that Toby Keith was about the right age for an Old Testament sacrifice. One female resident instantly gave him a stern glare and told him to get back to reading and leave Toby alone. Toby must have listened because he romped and pranced and put on a show as if to say, “look at me and never mind the distraction.” Reba and Toby Keith gave everyone plenty to talk and smile about! Their energetic antics brought smiles, laughter, and stories while making wonderful memories.
Long after the goats went back to the farm, residents were still raving about their day. At Christian Care, the staff is always looking how to make great days really extraordinary ones! Thank you to the Danielle Jackson Farm, Kristen, Mckenna, Vanessa, and Sherman for making it possible.
