Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Animals can have a positive effect on those who reside in nursing homes or other health care facilities.

That was evident when several agencies teamed up to bring a petting zoo to the residents at Troy Health & Rehab on Thursday.

Compassus Hospice, Troy Regional Medical Center and Troy Regional Medical Center Home Health made it possible for the residents to not only see the animals, but to reach over and touch them.

Walt Sanders, Compassus Hospice, said he often has the opportunity to visit Troy Health and Rehab and always enjoys spending time with the residents.

“All our team lives here and that is why we are able to provide efficient, timely care to every patient that we have to privilege to love and care for.”

Sanders said the participating agencies appreciate opportunities to give back to their community.

“And the petting zoo was a great way to do that,” Sanders said. “The residents had a great time and so did we.”

And, yes, the residents at Troy Health and Rehab did enjoy the petting zoo, said Dorothy Thompson, activities director.

“Our residents and staff really enjoyed the Petting Zoo,” Thompson said. “It was a joy to see the smiles on the faces of our residents as they fed the animals their morning brunch. Several of our residents and staff said it brought back memories of growing up on a farm. The staff and residents at Troy Health and Rehabilitation Center, would like to thank Hospice for providing an awesome fun day for our residents.”