Cats have had a long history with human beings, and an extraordinary capacity for love, gentleness, and an ability to engage emotionally with their human companions. Nowhere has these animals' remarkable ability to touch the human soul been more evident than in an ongoing project we have undertaken. Once a week, we take one of our friendlier cats to visit the elderly residents of a memory care complex. |
The pictures above show Vilnius as the center of attention during one of his visits. He is sensitive to the people he meets, and remarkably open to them. This is evident in the patience Vilnius and the other cats, who have visited, have for being handled by so many strangers. The human-animal bond is evident in the effect Vilnius has on those who interact with him. One family member told us that he had not seen his mother more alert and responsive than when she was holding Vilnius in her lap.
Vilnius has formed a bond with many of the residents, who eagerly look forward to holding and petting him. He enjoys sitting on laps or next to people, and strutting around to show how well he walks on his leash. Perhaps some may call him a service or working cat, but he is more like a friend, as he has given many hours of joy and warmth to his elderly friends. |
