Animals have the most astonishing ability to heal and uplift.
In the past, we have seen how animals have helped people overcome their struggles, like this amazing therapy dog who helped veterans recover from their brain injuries.
Many programs and homes all over the country enlist the help of therapy animals to liven and invigorate the spirits of their patients.
While it can be seen as an unconventional form of treatment, these therapy animals provide the greatest comfort, affection, and reassurance.
Charlie is such a therapy animal. The 1-year-old red kangaroo is extremely beloved at the William E. Christoffersen Veterans Home in Utah.
KUTV spoke with nursing administrators and residents at the home to understand the touching bond that many residents share with Charlie.
Scroll down to read about Charlie the adorable baby kangaroo, and how he's single-handedly lifting the spirit in a veterans home. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
[H/T: KUTV]
Charlie, a 1-year-old red kangaroo, is the most popular resident at William E. Christoffersen Veterans Home in Salt Lake City.
He is the home’s therapy animal, and he's known for bringing tremendous joy and hope to the residents of the home.
“He just knows that he has to love them,” nursing home administrator Noralyn Kahn told reporter Lisa Nico of KUTV.
“And it doesn’t matter what they look like or how they act, he’s there to love them.”
Charlie spends his days hopping through the halls of the home, and cuddling in the residents’ laps.
He is also incredibly friendly to visitors and children.
“It makes it so that the grandkids aren’t afraid to come see Grandpa. Because they can come see Charlie, too,” said Noralyn.
The Utah Red Cross will honor the little kangaroo at its upcoming Heroes Recognition Event on March 31, to thank him for his amazing contribution as a therapy animal.
“He’s cool. I like him,” said Bernie Kindred, a resident at the home.
Bernie has been at the home for about a year, and has developed a close, loving relationship with Charlie.
“He likes to come into my room, and we’ll eat licorice,” he said.
“It is very emotional to me because it is such tenderness,” said Noralyn of Charlie’s gentle and affectionate behavior toward the residents.
“It makes such a difference in so many lives.”
Charlie has also visited special-education classes and hospice facilities in the area, and, like other therapy animals before him, has brought immense comfort to all patients.
Generally, therapy animals have proven to help lower patients’ blood pressure, and to be a source of relief from stress, anxiety, and depression.
Right now, Charlie weighs about 30 pounds. But pretty soon, he’ll grow up to be around five feet, two inches tall, and weigh up to 125 pounds.
Hopefully, he will still be able to interact with the veterans in some capacity, despite his size.
