A really good friend of mine wrote a class paper about Herbie and therapy cats. English isnt her first language, but she did a great job and really captured Herbies spirit in this human interest story. Yay! “Purrfect” Love Messenger in I-CAT “Who says only dogs can be therapy animals!?” ---Sharon Lee International Cat Assisted Therapy (I-CAT) is currently the only cat therapy organization in the process of becoming a 501 (c) 3 tax deductible organization. Herbie, a 15-year-old orange tabby cat officially became one of the newest therapy members of I-CAT in April 2014. He enjoys being patted and loves meeting new people. He travels with his partner and family, Ms. Sharon Lee, in his stroller and visits retirement homes or people’s houses alone or with other therapy animals as a group in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Due to the advertising in the facility where he visits and due to his reputation, Herbie is a celebrity where we visit. We are greeted with cheerful welcomes and smiles by patients and staff wherever we go, Sharon said. He walks around and delivers his love by rubbing people’s legs and hands; sometimes he sits calmly next to his friend and provides moral support through their physical therapy or other activities. As a part of I-CAT, Herbie’s visits not only draw people’s attention but also re-define animal therapy. “The majority of licensed therapy animal is dogs, and only 5-10% is cats and other animals,” Sharon explains. “Dogs are great as therapy pet, but I hope people understand trained cats and other animals can also provide the same service. Herbie hopes his story will encourage other cats and their families to help them discover their potential to become a therapy cat.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 01:59:31 +0000
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