Residents Benefit from Calm, Relaxed Interaction with Bunnies

Kat Walker, Life Enrichment Director at American House Riverview, recently held a pet therapy and intergenerational event that inspired all who were in attendance.

“We had a wonderful visit today from a local rabbit rescue,” Kat said. “It was led by two young girls and their mom. Not only did our residents have fun with the bunnies, but we also enjoyed having the kids here to teach us about their passion project.”

The two girls are LolaMoon, 14, and her sister Pearl, 12. With help from their mom, the two girls started two companies: MoonSugar, which reinvents cotton candy with homemade organic sugar, no food coloring and over 30 flavors, and helps support Clouds + Cotton Tales, a company focused on rescued bunny rabbits. The two companies now work side-by-side at events like the one Kat hosted at Riverview. Clouds + Cotton Tales centers around education, emphasizing the rabbits are spayed and neutered and well cared for. The rabbits are very responsive to people and they don’t jump up on countertops.

Kelly Hale, the mother of LolaMoon and Pearl, first oversaw a MoonSugar event at American House and told the staff that they should let them bring in the bunnies because of how well they are received.

“It fills a place in our hearts and it’s important for my daughters to be around seniors now that my mother and grandmother have passed. Seniors are just so wise and have so much to share, and every time we hand out cotton candy and have a bunny sit on a lap, our residents just have this feeling of happiness.”

Intergenerational programming and pet therapy is an American House standard and rabbits offer significant benefits for seniors, including reduced feelings of loneliness, improved physical health and increased social interaction. Rabbits can serve as a source of emotional support and comfort for residents, especially for those who may have difficulty interacting with others.

The cotton candy and bunnies were so well-received at American House Riverview that afterwards Kat contacted Kelly and said, “Do you know you’re a sensation with us right now?” Kelly and her daughters said they left American House Riverview smiling ear-to-ear.

“Seriously, none of the residents wanted us to leave,” Kelly said. “The residents enjoyed everything about it. From the kids being there to the bunnies being soft, healing and cuddly. It was just an all-over, feel-good event.”

Indeed, the residents couldn’t say enough about it. Shelley and Shelia said the entire event was very relaxing and educational.

“We learned a lot about the bunnies,” Sheila said. “We all took to them instantly. They were so well-behaved, fun to pet and very calm. You’d think they’d run around like crazy, but they were so nice and friendly. We can’t wait for the girls to bring the bunnies back. We loved having them here.”

To schedule a tour at American House Riverview, click here.