Animals are known to have a calming, positive effect on people during times of stress. For a long time, this was a frequent topic of conversation for staff at Hospice Muskoka. After having regular therapy dog visits and seeing the positive effect this had on patients, the idea of having a regular therapy cat at the home was discussed.
When one of the Hospice Personal Support Workers volunteered at the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre with their daughter they found the perfect cat for the job. It was there that they met Noir, a calm, friendly (and gorgeous!) cat who demonstrated the perfect temperament to live at the hospice.
Noir came to the Muskoka Animal Centre as a stray. While his animal care team did not know much about his past, they knew his future would be meaningful and serve a beautiful purpose at Hospice Muskoka.
“Animals have such a natural instinct when it comes to reading human emotions, with the ability to know who needs them most and when,” says Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre Manager, Lindsey Bunn. “It must also be great for the staff, as they have a very hard job. When they feel down, I’m sure Noir comforts them, as well.”
When Noir first arrived at Hospice Muskoka, he spent most of his time with staff as he became familiar with his new home. As he becomes more comfortable, he now spends most of his time on patient beds and chairs or following visitors around for a tour.
“Our residents took to him immediately,” says Hospice Muskoka Medical Director Christine Degan. “What we found the most interesting was the comfort he provided families. Family members would start taking videos and bringing in food and treats for him. It gave them something positive to focus on.”
Not only do the residents now have a furry companion to greet them and offer affection, Noir also has a loving home with many people who care for him.
The Ontario SPCA finds loving homes for thousands of animals each year in communities across the province. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. To make second chances like this possible for cats like Noir, please consider donating today.
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