Fur and feathers at Mercy Jenkins | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

THERE were squawks, woofs, meows and snorts a-plenty over the weekend as Mercy Jenkins Rest Home held a special pet day for residents.
Along with staff, family other visitors, 26 of the rest home’s residents all gathered together in its lounge area to spend a little time bonding across species.
Staff had brought along a selection of pet birds, bigger dogs, puppies and pussycats for the residents to spend time with, and by all accounts, everybody had a whale of a time.
“The residents absolutely loved it,” says recreation officer, Gaylene Anderson.
“Pets do so much for the residents; they just love to cuddle and stroke them. Having them around is very therapeutic.”
And, along with the aforementioned ‘regular’ pets, someone had brought in a kunekune pig whose antics also held everybody enthralled.
“The residents really relate to animals; many of them grew up around animals, so it’s a great trip down Memory Lane for them all.”
Gaylene is planning to hold another pet day near the end of the year.