Posted under Updates
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!
chele on 18 Dec 2007 at 9:37 pm #
Aww! That made me teary eyed! You are so special for doing this, Annette! I can’t wait to hear more stories.
Christina on 18 Dec 2007 at 10:55 pm #
Ok. I’m about to cry now! This is just proof positive that you’re doing something wonderful and making a difference in these kids’ lives. Kudos to you!
My Kids LOVE Fun on the Ark | Good Birth Control on 15 Jan 2008 at 6:51 am #
[…] Some of these children are terminally ill and others have a parent in the program that is terminally ill. Annette donates her critters to these children to help them cope. You can read some of the great stories that are being reported back to Annette about the success of Critters Who Care. […]
Fun on the Ark | Moms Love Shopping on 15 Jan 2008 at 7:22 am #
[…] Annette donates her critters to these children to help them work thru their grief. You can read some of the great stories that are being reported back to Annette about the success of Critters Who Care. […]