Sunapee
Answer: The three miniature donkeys and one miniature mule set to visit Sunapee Cove Assisted Living on Tuesday.
The animals are part of Road to Independence, a Goshen, N.H.-based nonprofit organization that helps “individuals with differing abilities” learn life skills through farm-based vocational training and “non-riding equine, horticultural and agricultural programs,” according to the mission statement on the organization’s Facebook page.
Road to Independence and its animals have participated in fairs and parades around the Upper Valley and have visited Summercrest Senior Living Community and Woodlawn Care Center, both in Newport, N.H., and Valley Regional Healthcare in Claremont.
At Sunapee Cove Assisted Living, the residents are looking forward to the event.
“The whole building comes out,” said Carol Meyers, assistant executive director at Sunapee Cove.
Residents have the opportunity to brush and pet the animals, with instruction from Road to Independence participants.
“For some individuals it triggers memories. Some folks who have been unresponsive take an interest in brushing or talking to the animals,” said Margaret Coulter, founder and director of Road to Independence. “If folks are mobile, they can lead the donkeys (on a walk).”
Some residents cannot make it out to Sunapee Cove’s living room, so the donkeys are brought to their rooms instead.
“It’s really pretty neat and special to see the interaction,” Coulter said. “I think all across the board … elder care places are finding that any interaction with animals is very special and therapeutic.”
The visits also benefit Road to Independence participants, who “are very proud to share the skills that they have with others,” Coulter said.
Their training involves working with the animals, and they then showcase what they’ve learned in visits to the community, including senior living facilities.
“This is really an opportunity where they can shine and share their skills,” Coulter said.
The three miniature donkeys and one miniature mule are set to visit Sunapee Cove at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The event is free and open to the public. Grandparents are encouraged to bring their grandchildren.
“They’re very friendly and sweet donkeys,” Meyers said.
Editor’s note: For more information about Tuesday’s visit, contact Sunapee Cove at 603-763-0566. To learn more about Road to Independence, visit its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RoadtoIndependenceNH/. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
