By Bill Cook, development director
Recently our St. Joseph Auxiliary sponsored the Chamberlin Petting Zoo from Ann Arbor, Michigan to come to our Home. Our Residents gathered in the Cloister in anticipation of seeing and petting some farm animals. Since the weather was not cooperating and storms were forecast, we had to move the petting zoo in doors in to our auditorium. The Residents were so surprised to see chickens, ducks and rabbits being brought in, as well as goats, sheep, and even an Alpaca walk right through the front doors!
Everyone had a great time petting the animals in a makeshift corral set up in the auditorium. Our friends, the nursing students from Lourdes University, helped to bring around the smaller animals to all the Residents so they could pet them and see them up close. The high point of the petting zoo was when the handlers brought out “Jack” the miniature Donkey from his trailer and walked him around under the covered entrance way. Some of the Residents even got to feed “Jack” and pet his soft nose. The Residents and Sisters were so appreciative to the St. Joseph Auxiliary for making the petting zoo possible. If you would like to learn more about the Chamberlin Petting Zoo check out www.chamberlinponyrides.com.
