#chincillas

Today, the Human that Feeds Us tried to teach us about selfies. I learned that the phone is very fun to nibble.

Star is slightly better at selfies, but only because she takes a while to wake up and get moving.

She hates waking up.

But I don’t mind, because she makes a good pillow. Lately we’ve been sleeping in this big cardboard thing Mom put in for us to play with. It has two tunnels and a couple holes to run through. And we get to rip it apart. Good fun!

This is Jordan Brill-Pickle, one of the neighbors. Mom lets us run around in their cage and play. So far things are awkward, but we politely sniff noses and run our separate ways.

We did manage one okay selfie.

Even if we did have to remind Mom she’s not the focus here.

1. What kind of pets do you have?

2. How many pets do you have?

3. What are their names?

4. How long have you had them?

5. Where are you from?

6. What kind of bedding do you use?

7. What size cage do you use, or how much space do they have?

8. Favorite thing your pet does?

9. Least favorite thing?

10. What do you give them as treats?

11. Where do you get supplies?

12. Favorite memory?

13. Recommendations for new pet owners?

14. Do you have any pets over the rainbow bridge?

Patients experiencing crippling anxiety and difficulty with "good touch" affection will be assigned to this group. 

Patients will be given opportunity to interact with animals sourced from outside the facility. Animal companions will not be housed at Iuroquae and will be removed via the caretaker at the end of each session. Animal Therapy sessions will be additionally supervised by Iuroquae clinicians.

Chinchillas are remarkably soft, docile mammals with density of fur that repels parasites, making them excellent candidates for Animal Companion Therapy. 

Reptiles are graceful, slow-moving and textural creatures which tend to be superior therapy animals for individuals with "good touch" difficulties.

Because physical contact is not permitted between patients or staff, therapy sessions like these promote the benefits of Healing Touch. Patients will learn appropriate touch, confront fears of animals, and challenge self-doubt surrounding their own ability to be 'gentle'. 

In addition, patients assigned to this group will be educated on continuance of animal therapy outside the facility, including:

Volunteer opportunities at shelters, grooming salons, and "sitting."

Responsibilities of pet ownership and proper animal care/hygiene.

Dangers of "animal hoarding."

Respect of animals as sentient, sovereign beings that deserve life.