Residents, staff members thrilled to see animals

Sharon Jones was happy to see the many bunnies, ducks, chickens, goats, baby chicks and baby ducks Monday afternoon. The resident at Rock Creek Care Center in Auburn joined other residents and staff as they pet, fed and held most of the animals. The center is celebrating National Nursing Home Week. Monday was Farm Day, which also included a mini farmer's market inside the lobby of the facility. "It's fun," Jones, 61, said as she sat near the cage holding the animals. "It's been nice to see them." One of the chickens visiting the nursing home reminded Jones of a chicken she had years ago she called Twinkie. She also had a duck. Casey Haynes, director of business development at Rock Creek Care Center, was happy to see the smiles on the residents and staff members' faces. "For many of our residents, it has been many years since they have been able to experience or see any livestock animals," Haynes said. "Many of our patients lived locally and had these types of animals of their own. Our goal is to hopefully bring back the best memories for them." Bambi's Mobile Petting Zoo of Olivehurst came to the nursing home. Amber Cordes, owner of the petting zoo, brought several small creatures for residents and staff to pet and hold. "Our patients can come out and enjoy a little bit of farm life," Haynes said. Residents and staff members rotated in and out of the patio, where Cordes and her animals were located. "Some of the animals were getting overwhelmed," Haynes said. Residents who couldn't go outside had the animals brought to them, Haynes said. A baby goat, which is a miniature, was a delightful site for residents who were in the rehab gym. Hayes stated some residents talked about being raised and/or working on a farm where there were plenty of bunnies, ducks, chickens, goats, chicks and ducks. "It's been really cool to hear their stories," Haynes said. Haynes said each day is a different theme. The staff and residents are encouraged to dress according to that event. "Our activities for our patients tie into the theme as well as a lunch provided," Haynes said. Cordes said the chickens and Nigerian dwarf goats have been the biggest hits at the nursing home. "The goats have walked around and been held throughout the whole facility," Cordes said. "Everyone has been happy to get to see them. They explained to me that they had farm animals." The "teenage" chickens, whose ages range from 4 to 17 weeks, are small. They were on the shoulders and laps of residents and staff members. The ducks ate food from people's hands. Cordes said it was a little difficult to get some residents into the circular cage since they were using wheelchairs. Cordes held some of the older chickens and allowed residents and staff members to hold them. "Just keeping it simple," Cordes said. The two Nigerian dwarf goats visiting are 7½ weeks old, Cordes said. "This is their first petting zoo," Cordes said. "There will be many more for them. They've done really good." The dwarf goats also spent time napping and kissing residents and staff members, Cordes noted. Cordes and her animals plan to visit the nursing home again. She's already thinking about bringing in calves, turkeys and mini pigs. Cordes started her business earlier this year. She has booked her four-legged children to many birthday parties in recent months. "I book up really fast," Cordes said. "I've done a ton of birthday parties. … I love seeing people happy." For more information about Bambi's Mobile Petting Zoo, email at bambispettingzoo@yahoo.com, or find them on Facebook.