Rabbits in a group home

[naturestee]

My landlords left a message on my answeringmachine. They work at a group home for the elderly and arethinking about getting "a few" bunnies. That was theirwords. They haven't met the new one yet, but they do knowabout him and they adore Mocha. They know aboutspaying/neutering and that you can get rabbits at the HumaneSociety. What they don't know is how to take care of rabbitsand such, which is probably what they'll be asking me.

I want to know your opinions on this. Do you think this is a good idea?

 

[dajeti2]

My mom worked with the mentally ill. Sheran five homes and she noticed that the homes that had a pet had fewerangry out bursts and the clients did better all around.

I think if they were to get a laid back bunn it would bewonderful for them. I would ask Carolyn if it'd be alright to print outte Cheat Sheet and you can give that to them. It would definitely getanybunny off to a great start.

Tina

 

[naturestee]

Thanks, Tina! I figured I'd go withthem to the humane society and help them find a good rabbit.Actually, Loki's pretty laid back with people but they can't havehim!

They residents often have a pet around, as the landlords always taketheir dog with them. She's ancient and didn't pay anyattention to Mocha when I brought her to their apartment once.

 

[Kricket]

I think that sounds like a great idea!I bet the residents would LOVE to relax with a bunny in theirlap. I always say: "There is nothing better than a bunny inmy lap."

 

I have to agree ,animals with theelderly has been aproven to expand lifeexpectancy , Animals can also helpwith the expiring process ,animals no matter the breed cansense things and alert others tonecessary and dangerous issuesthat may be missed until too late .

Before I broke my back I worked in a nursing home ,there was a resident cat , muleystubborn snotty kitty , tehresidence loved her , One resident inparticular was extremely proneto Grand Mall Seizures , they came out ofthe blue and no one ever knewwhen to expect them , ThisCat would in fact allert everyoone on thefloor by getting all haired up andracing around the floorsqualling and screaming , Everyone woulddrop everything and go to theresident just as he was about to hitthe floor , That Cat saved themans life many times over ,Unfortunately when the man passedaway the cat pined away herself.

Rabbits in a group home I sayGo For It , educate them asthey go along it will be awonderfull experience for all involved. and not to mentionSo rewarding and benificialto hte residence.

 

[naturestee]

Kricket, you have lap bunnies? I'm jealous.

I just talked the the landlady, who is the one who would be taking careof them. I'm going to have her come up and play with Loki, asdutch are one of the most common breeds around here. I'll beprinting off info for her, too. I also talked her intogetting just one bunny. I've never seen pairs in sheltersaround here, and I don't think that two fighting/bonding bunnies wouldbe a good idea for a newbie. It might worry the residents alittle too.

The bunnies are taking over!

 

[Kricket]

Mine are Dutch too! I would love totake my buns around to nursing homes. I think the buns wouldlove it too!

 

[bluebird]

I think its a great idea. years ago one of mydaughters pet mini rexes was sold to a nursing home.he was fully grownand very sweet but an unshowable color at the time.I would say theyshould only get one unless they get an already bonded pair.bluebird

 

[bunsforlife]

My internship was with the Easter Sealsprogram. I got to help out in a day program withdevelopmentally challenged elderly. Around Easter time Iasked if I could bring Guinevere in since she is such a snuggly cuddlybunny. I got the okay so I brought her in.

Some of the residents who were stand offish to me warmed up to methrough Guinevere. She was a big hit and she behavedBEAUTIFULLY. She didnt make a fuss or a mess and let themhold her and pet her and pet her and pet her. And when shestarted giving out bunny kisses one of the residents who was very...angry towards other people started to cry with joy.

I personally think it would be a great idea for all involved.Remember, petting animals has been shown to lower blood pressure, andpeople with pets usually live longer lives due to the fact thatinstinctively people will keep themselves in better health if somethingor someone else is depending on them ::smiles::

 

[northerndancer]

It sounds like a great idea.

Also I wanted to add that I have heard about "therapets" in health caresettings and they say that people that are too scared around cats ordogs will often bond fine with a rabbit. Older people that are visuallyimpaired might trip over a rabbit though being smaller than a dog- justa thought. Maybe get a flemish!!

Keep us up to date if they do decide to get one.

ND

 

[rabbitgirl]

Hols often make excellent "lap bunnies"--but Iwouldn't vouch for their self-preservation instincts (i.e., getting outof way of wheelchairs)

Flemmys would be perfect except the size when it comes to sitting on laps or picking up. Depends on the situation.....

Rose

 

[CorkysMom]

I take Oreo down to the hospital as a therapybunny...she sees adults and kids both...the adults generally are justas happy to have her come visit as the kids are! I think its awonderful idea!!! I know the gal that runs the program at thehospital takes a bunny to the retirement homes to see people.

 

[mygrl2k3]

bunsforlife wrote:

My internship was with the Easter Seals program. Igot to help out in a day program with developmentally challengedelderly. Around Easter time I asked if I could bringGuinevere in since she is such a snuggly cuddly bunny. I gotthe okay so I brought her in.

Some of the residents who were stand offish to me warmed up to methrough Guinevere. She was a big hit and she behavedBEAUTIFULLY. She didnt make a fuss or a mess and let themhold her and pet her and pet her and pet her. And when shestarted giving out bunny kisses one of the residents who was very...angry towards other people started to cry with joy.

I personally think it would be a great idea for all involved.Remember, petting animals has been shown to lower blood pressure, andpeople with pets usually live longer lives due to the fact thatinstinctively people will keep themselves in better health if somethingor someone else is depending on them ::smiles::

I am famliar with Easter seals. Except for here in il its known aseaster seals childrens devolpment center.. My son recieved manyservices from them until he turned 3 years old. Its a prettygood place.

I think animals in a home of any kind with the right education is a good idea.

Cristy