(Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) - Staff and residents of Chatsworth at PGA National welcomed a special new visitor on Wednesday, March 4. Wilbur, a certified therapy pig, visited the community just days after National Pig Day on March 1. Wilbur is an 88-pound pot-bellied pig who was certified as the Humane Society of Broward County's first therapy pig at just one year of age. He visits senior living communities and schools throughout South Florida with his owner and handler, Rori Halpern, who has been a physical therapy assistant for more than 25 years.
“It was really special to see the smiles on the faces of the residents as they interacted with Wilbur,” said Jay Mikosch, Director of Continuing Care at Chatsworth. “He made a lot of people very happy during his visit.”
On the day of Wilbur’s visit, specific pig-themed resident activities were coordinated including a viewing of the classic film, Charlotte's Web. Residents of Chatsworth truly enjoyed interacting with Wilbur; one joked, "does he know pig Latin?" and another quipped, "he's got a good figure for a pig!".
Chatsworth is pet-friendly and does allow family and friends to bring pets to visit with residents. They have welcomed many furry and feathery guests, but this visit marks the first guest with hooves to grace the community. The community plans to welcome Wilbur for additional future therapy visits.
“These visits are good for the soul and truly brighten the day for our residents,” said Christine Zelles, Director of Social and Administrative Services at Chatsworth. “The responses we saw were unforgettable!”
Photo: Marilyn Morris, Communications Specialist at Chatsworth, and her dog Sydney meet Wilbur.
About Chatsworth at PGA National: Chatsworth at PGA National is the Continuing Care neighborhood associated with Devonshire at PGA National, one of 18 Erickson Living retirement communities located in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Devonshire offers distinctive retirement living complete with spacious apartment homes, valet services and concierge support, premier dining venues, and convenient access to health services, all located just minutes from Southeast Florida’s best shopping, dining, and cultural activities. Chatsworth at PGA National offers higher levels of care including assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitative care. Additional information on Devonshire and Chatsworth can be found at http://www.ericksonliving.com/devonshire/.
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