Flock of pets descend on Eastern Townships seniors' home for monthly zootherapy

At a private seniors' residence in the Eastern Townships, seeing a stroller filled with cats, dogs, bunnies and a chicken parading through the halls followed by a miniature pony is "nothing unusual."

So says Barbara Drexel, a resident of Wales Home seniors' residence in Richmond.

"Yes, I love you darling, yes, you're my darling," coos Drexel to the miniature horse named Pascal.

It's all part of a monthly event called zootherapy, where animals of all shapes are brought in to entertain and comfort seniors. 

Anne-Caroline Coutu runs the animal-assisted therapy program in a number of private residences, public care facilities (CHSLDs) and schools in the region.

Coutu started doing zootherapy 10 years ago to help her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

She started with a dog, then a bunny, and then added a chicken into the mix, sporting a cloth diaper sewn by a friend.

Her mother was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's, so Coutu continued her regular visits.

The staff at the care facilities where her parents were staying encouraged Coutu to continue bringing her animals, telling her that the patients seemed calmer when they were there.

Before long, she started expanding her route, bringing animals to care facilities in Sherbrooke, Magog and Coaticook.

For the residents at Wales Home, the visits are a bright spot each month.

"I grew up on a farm with many dogs. I always had a dog at the farm." said Norma Isabelle Knowles, while cuddling a dog on her lap. "It's a great entertainment for us."

The miniature horse, Pascal, joined Coutu's fleet by a more circuitous route.

Coutu won him on Le Banquier, the Quebec version of the popular game show, Deal or No Deal.

"Up!" said Coutu, directing a dog to jump on the horse's back, much to the delight of the residents.