IRVINGTON—Few things compare to the magic of a soft purr and a tiny bounding kitten.
Through special outreach programs like our “Kitten Companions Project,” Garfield’s Rescue (GRI) volunteers take rescue kittens—and sometimes senior kittens through the “Golden Whiskers” program—to visit senior residents and staff at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC).
On a recent visit, nine energetic kittens and GRI volunteers traveled throughout RWC’s independent, assisted and skilled nursing resident sections to bridge two populations—seniors seeking companionship and young felines needing early socialization, reported president Karen Peterson.
The magic goes both ways. Rescue kittens in foster care need frequent, gentle handling from humans to build confidence and prepare for permanent adoption. Seniors provide the ultimate environment for this early socialization, said Peterson. The quiet, attentive care from seniors teaches kittens that humans are safe and loving….
