Shirley Johnson has only been in the Hanover Health and Rehabilitation Center for a few weeks.
She was injured in a horrible fall, but with the help of therapy and a particular buddy, she is getting back in shape.
“You’re working Miss Johnson out, girl.” “Thank you,” she says as she strokes Nala.
Nala is a nine-year-old therapy cat who has volunteered at numerous healthcare centers. On a leash, the 18-pound Maine Coon walks along the halls, greeting everyone she sees with a meow. During otherwise strenuous physical therapy sessions, she is a soothing presence.
Her trainer Sonja Lazear proudly adds, “Her most renowned stories include helping clients get up and use their walker when they’re telling the therapist no.” “She’s already done it twice, assisting others in walking.”
Lazear rescued Nala, who was named after a character from The Lion King, and quickly discovered the gorgeous feline was a social butterfly who wasn’t doing so well at home.
Lazear explains, “Getting into cupboards, drinking out of the toilet, pulling items out of the wastebasket.” “I was bored, bored, bored, so I told Nala that she needed a job.”
She began with collar and leash training before becoming a certified therapy cat.
When people see her walking down the halls on her leash, they always respond in a big way.
Lazear giggles, “Everyone thinks she’s a dog.” “They remark, ‘Nice Shih Tzu,’ and I say, ‘Where are you?”
Nala greets everyone she encounters with a meow and snuggles up to them.
She is sitting next to Johnson during this particular Occupational Therapy session.
Occupational Therapist Lisa Borcheller urges Johnson to reach for Nala by saying, “Keep reaching, extend those muscles.”
These types of exercises can be boring, but not when there is a nice and gentle reward at the end.
“They’re not looking at their diagnosis, their deficiencies, or their flaws,” she says. “All they want to do is give love and affection and be present with the person,” Borcheller explains. “I believe that goes a long way.”
According to Borcheller, when patients with arthritis try to pet her, Nala encourages them to stretch out their hands further.
There’s also a lot of evidence to suggest that therapy animals like her can help people with depression and high blood pressure. When patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia care at a facility, they are considerably more inclined to socialize.
Nala, who is now 13 years old, has been a therapy cat for nine years.
“You know I couldn’t have done it without you, Darling?” After her final exercises, Johnson gently squeezes Nala.
With her gift, she has impacted the lives of innumerable others.
“She’s quiet and cuddly.” Johnson smiles as he says, “She’s extremely charming.”
