By Debra McLaughlin
If you hear the sound of joyful barking or catch sight of a fluffy feline curled up in a resident’s lap, don’t be alarmed – pet therapy is in session at The Nathaniel Witherell! Thanks to dedicated volunteers and their four-legged companions, Saturdays and select weekdays are filled with wagging tails, soothing purrs, and an abundance of smiles.
Leading the charge in canine companionship is Harry, a two-year-old yellow English Labrador with a personality as sunny as his fur. Owned by local Greenwich resident Mike Feeney, Harry is a regular Saturday visitor, and he knows exactly how to work a room – tail wagging, tongue hanging out, and ready for unlimited belly rubs. The dog-loving residents greet him like an old friend, showering him with affection and, of course, the occasional contraband dog biscuit.
For many residents, Harry is a warm reminder of their own beloved dogs, who were more than pets – they were family. One visit with Harry often leads to cherished stories about childhood pups, loyal companions, and the irreplaceable bond between humans and their canine counterparts. “He reminds me of my old dog, Max,” one resident shared, scratching behind Harry’s ears. “Max used to snore louder than my husband!”
Harry follows in the paw prints of Aengus, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever who was also part of the pet therapy program before his passing. Mike, a corporate bond broker by day and a hero to dog lovers by weekend, has kept the tradition alive by bringing Harry to brighten everyone’s day. The Nathaniel Witherell simply wouldn’t be the same without devoted owners like Mike, who understand the power of a cold nose and a warm heart.
Of course, dog lovers aren’t the only ones getting their dose of animal affection. Enter Willow, the undisputed queen of Cat Club. A Domestic Shorthair rescue with a talent for snuggles, she is the third therapy cat brought to The Nathaniel Witherell by Greenwich resident Lisa Wysocki, who has been sharing her love of felines with residents for an impressive 14 years.
Nicknamed “Willow the Pillow” for her uncanny ability to mold herself into the coziest lap accessory, she reigns over Cat Club, offering head bumps, slow blinks, and the occasional delicate paw pat. For residents who spent their lives with feline friends, Willow provides much-needed kitty companionship, complete with soft purring and just the right amount of sass. “She has that perfect ‘I love you, but I’m also judging you’ cat expression,” one resident joked, stroking Willow’s velvety fur.
These pet therapy sessions are more than just visits; they are moments of joy, nostalgia, and comfort. Whether it’s Harry bounding through the halls with a wagging tail or Willow curling up in a cozy lap, these furry friends bring a little extra sunshine into The Nathaniel Witherell.
Because at the end of the day, nothing warms the heart quite like a cold nose or a soft purr.
Volunteers are always welcome at Friends of Nathaniel Witherell. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mary Tate, Director of Resident and Volunteer Services, at mary.tate@witherell.org or 203-618-4228. There are many opportunities to suit your interests and schedules, including arts and crafts, games, gift shop, and a variety of other activities.
For further information about Friends of Nathaniel Witherell and supporting these vital experiences we provide to those at The Nathaniel Witherell, call Lisa Harding, Director of Development, Advancement & Fundraising at 203-618-4227 or lisa.harding@friendsofnw.org. Please also visit our website at https://friendsofnathanielwitherell.org/.
