In the heart of Czorny Alzheimer Centre, a care home known for its innovative dementia care programs, lives an unusual yet cherished team member: Rosie, a friendly therapy pig with a big personality.
Kerry Netherton, Czorny’s Recreation Supervisor, got the idea to adopt a therapy pig six years ago while waiting for a flight. She spotted a pig in the airport lounge whose friendliness was delighting waiting passengers. She learned that this was a therapy pig whose job it was to ease anxiety in anxious fliers while they were waiting to board. Kerry had never seen a therapy pig in action, and as she watched the joy it brought to people, she wondered if a pet pig could benefit the residents at Czorny. Social withdrawal is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s and Kerry was intrigued by the idea that a therapy pig could be a wonderful therapeutic addition to Czorny to provide comfort and companionship to residents.
Upon doing research when she returned home, Kerry uncovered many little-known facts about pigs. Despite their reputation as dirty, it turns out pigs are hypoallergenic and clean. They are also intelligent, remarkably social, and can make wonderful emotional support animals whose companionship has been shown to ease anxiety and lower blood pressure in humans.
At the time, therapy pigs were unheard of in care facilities. This, however, did not deter Kerry. By this time, she was convinced she had a great idea, she just needed to find the right pig. The key was finding a “micro-pig” which are pigs bred to be around 100lbs – very small by pig standards. A search for micro-pigs led Kerry to a farm in Chilliwack, where she found Rosie, the tiniest pig in her litter, who now weighs 95 pounds – about the same size as a large dog.
Now six years later, Rosie has become a beloved fixture at Czorny. “Whether it’s into the cottages, down to the coffee shop, having residents come to her space – she’s a big part of their daily life here,” says Kerry.
Kerry has witnessed some heartwarming connections between residents and Rosie. For instance, there is a gentleman who shies from the company of people but welcomes Rosie as a trusted friend. Each day, Rosie sits quietly by his feet, listening to music as he speaks to her and gently scratches her head. “For some reason, the connection there is so strong that they have this relationship where he can sit with her for hours and it’s just him and her,” says Kerry.
Another resident treats Rosie as if she were her own pet. Every day, this resident brings a banana to split in half to share with Rosie. It’s a daily activity that the two look forward to, and Rosie never fails to greet her with excited snorts, happily recognizing the treasured friend who brings her treats.
“I am constantly reminded of what Rosie means to the residents,” says Kerry. “Every morning as she strolls through the resident’s cottage to go into the garden, the residents’ faces light up with big smiles as she strolls past them snorting away. When I hear comments such as ‘I love Rosie,’ it warms my heart. Rosie is loved and is a part of everyday life here in the residents’ home.”
Czorny Alzheimer Centre is a very special place and one of several healthcare facilities that Surrey Hospitals Foundation donors generously support.
