Therapy Rabbits

More cuddly creatures joining animal therapy forces

Ninety-year-old Jean Doan beamed as little Ruby settled into her lap, and she smiled.

It was exactly the reaction patient care nurse Sandy Dowling had hoped to see.

"So many of our patients are elderly, and they can be afraid of cats and dogs," she said. "Rabbits tend to be more calm, and they usually are good about staying still."

Ruby, an 8-week-old rabbit, has joined the team at Compassionate Care Hospice, based in Bartow.

This quote, from a Newschief.com article, tells of an exciting new trend in patient care. While animal therapy has been around for many years, dogs make up the overwhelming majority of certified animals, with a small smattering of cats as well. Now, thanks to their naturally calm and still manner and the fact that patients are much less likely to be allergic, rabbits are bursting onto the scene, creating smiles and reducing stress across the country.