When most people think of therapy pets, usually dogs or mini horses comes to mind. But it is two pot-bellied pigs that are bringing joy to residents at hospitals and nursing homes around Denver.
Pumba and Boris, two 1-year-old potbellied pigs, visit with seniors living with Alzheimer's at Highline Place in Littleton. And it's easy to see that they love the special guests.
"Animals are pretty magical and it brings out a side of them you don't see in other activities" Elle Fore, director of Vibrant Living at Highline Place, told USA Today. "And even though we love small children and dogs and other animals — it's the surprise factor of pigs — and one of the gifts with Alzheimer's is — you can use a lot of surprises."
The residents seem a little surprised when they first spot the pigs, but it doesn't take long for the elderly patients to warm up to these farm animals. The residents won't always remember the pigs, so it's like a new experience every week.
These adorable pigs were both rescued from slaughter. Now, Pumba and Boris's weekly visits to the staff and families is their biggest priority. You can tell these little guys just love the attention, hamming it up for all the residents.
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