Some stories about the kids who receive our animals
I received the sweetest note from the volunteers in the grief support group at the Hospice of Kankakee Valley who have been passing out the animals we delivered to them earlier this month. They shared with me a few of the reactions of the kids who received the animals.
Their grief support group is open to the entire community so some animals did go to children that did not have parents in the hospice program - they're just kids in need and knowing that we brought them a little joy brings me joy as well.
One child with very little emotional response and behavior problems was given an animal and was told that someone really cares about how he feels. Very out of character, he took the animal and hugged it.
Another child suffered multiple losses in the past few years including the loss of family members, a home and a pet. When asked if he has a teddy bear or someone to hug when he feels lonely he replied, "I have one but it's pretty old". He was offered one of our critters who care and chose a cat - the pet he lost in a fire and proclaimed to his mother "this is mine" to hug and love forever.
There are still many children who will be receiving the animals over the next few weeks. I'm eager to hear more stories. Thanks again for your participation!
Their grief support group is open to the entire community so some animals did go to children that did not have parents in the hospice program - they're just kids in need and knowing that we brought them a little joy brings me joy as well.
One child with very little emotional response and behavior problems was given an animal and was told that someone really cares about how he feels. Very out of character, he took the animal and hugged it.
Another child suffered multiple losses in the past few years including the loss of family members, a home and a pet. When asked if he has a teddy bear or someone to hug when he feels lonely he replied, "I have one but it's pretty old". He was offered one of our critters who care and chose a cat - the pet he lost in a fire and proclaimed to his mother "this is mine" to hug and love forever.
There are still many children who will be receiving the animals over the next few weeks. I'm eager to hear more stories. Thanks again for your participation!
