Good Samaritan Society residents discovered their newest therapy animal isn’t exactly what you’d expect – unless you were expecting a charming miniature pig with a talent for brightening days.
The Olathe senior living facility welcomed Oden, who started his career smaller than a soup can and has grown into a confident 40-pound bundle of joy. His daily rounds now include strutting down hallways where he once shyly hid beneath chairs.
“I had to explain it wasn’t a giant pig,” said Brett Martin, the maintenance director behind this innovative therapy program. His office has become the building’s most popular destination, where Oden greets visitors with friendly grunts from behind a baby gate.
The sociable swine has developed quite a fan club, especially in the memory care unit. Former farmers often become misty-eyed during his visits, as his presence triggers warm memories of life on the farm.
Between therapy sessions, Oden maintains a busy schedule of accepting treats from his many admirers. His popularity has led to a slightly rotund figure, though the extra pounds only add to his cheerful charm.
“All the staff always come back and see him quite a bit,” Martin noted, describing how his porcine partner has become an essential part of daily life at the facility. The once-timid piglet now confidently walks the halls on a leash, stopping for visits and snacks along the way.
Staff members report that sometimes the best therapy comes with a curly tail and a gentle oink, as Oden continues proving that love and comfort can come in unexpected packages.
The success of this unique program demonstrates that thinking outside the box — or in this case, the barn — can lead to remarkable improvements in senior care.
