Dorian, a one-year-old Mini Rex rabbit, bounces about the courtyard of Westview Hospital's Acute Rehabilitation Center. He enjoys the warm weather just as much as most of the patients, and for the past six months, he has made Westview his new home.
Julie Hanna-Stewart, occupational therapist at Westview, and Dorian's owner, has seen the positive effects the bunny has made first hand. "When patients are in pain or emotionally distressed, animals seem to alleviate their discomfort. Dorian has brought great comfort to many of our patients, and our patients smile each time Dorian comes to visit them," said Julie.
Westview Hospital's Acute Rehabilitation Center's medical and administrative team believes that the presence of therapy animals is not only entertaining but helps in the healing process. "Dorian adds to an already serene environment, as our patients sit in our new rehabilitation courtyard and watch him play," said Alicia Harris, manager of the Center. "Bunny therapy is a new way of providing our patients with hope."
A special cage was built in the Center's courtyard to provide a home for Dorian and Julie's other rabbits who visit from time to time. The bunny cage is equipped with a fold-out table top at the perfect height for patients in wheelchairs to visit and pet the bunnies.
Beverly, a patient at the Center, has experienced just how much Dorian can lift your spirits. As she sits in the sun of the courtyard and watches him skip across the grass, she smiles. "Dorian reminds me of being at home, where I have two guinea pigs myself," said Beverly.
Each day Dorian nibbles on a banana and lounges in the sun as patients pet his velvet soft fur. Little does Dorian know the healing he delivers to the Center's patients - both spiritually and physically.
Westview Hospital continues to search for new, innovative and holistic ways, like bunny therapy, to provide hope, health and healing for our rehabilitation patients and their families.
