The father of Audrie Spake, Joo Spake, has been confined to a bed for a number of months as a result of various medical issues. Joo’s doctors have been doing everything they can to help his body heal, but he just had a visitor to help fix his heart as well.
That visitor’s name is Paçoca. Coletivo Incluso collaborates with volunteers from Coletivo, a nonprofit with the aim of assisting those with special needs. What a difference that could make.
This week, Spake shared an emotional video that showed Paçoca visiting her father. Paçoca appeared to have sensed the kind of connection Joo needed the most, as she simply sat next to him in a modest exchange of comfort . Joo’s visit is clearly one that he won’t soon forget. And perhaps it will accomplish more than just act as a reminder.
A growing number of medical professionals are now acknowledging the therapeutic benefits of therapy animals on patients’ health and welfare.
Patients with a range of health concerns can significantly lessen pain, anxiety, despair, and tiredness with animal-assisted therapy. And it helps everyone, not just those with health problems. Visits with animals with family and friends are said to make people feel better.
