These pigs named Boris and Pumba have a very important job…
They provide Alzheimer’s patients in Colorado with love, affection, and a dose of surprise.
The pigs’ owner named Erin Brinkley-Burgardt brings the pigs to Highline Place in Littleton, Colorado to work with the seniors there.
At first, many residents were skeptical of the animals, but the skepticism quickly grew into love.
Erin says:
Boris and Pumba make their way around the halls of Highline Place in a little green wagon, and it just takes the first person to warm up- then everyone else is like oh ok! I’ll try it!
And because of the nature of Alzheimer’s disease, the pigs are a constant and delightful surprise.
The residents won’t always remember the pigs, so it’s really like a new experience every week- it’s a different experience every week- which is great! Erin says
Therapy animals are a godsend for patients suffering from all sorts of dementia which includes Alzheimer’s.
Some studies even show that having an animal around can significantly decrease anxiety in dementia patients and help regain their desire to socialize.
While it is not as common to have pigs as therapy animals, why not have them when they bring such joy to the faces of these patients.
Watch the beautiful and sweet video of Boris and Pumba surprising the Alzheimer’s patients below:
[Featured Image Credit: Screenshot from Youtube- USA TODAY]