Comfort Creatures

Pet visitors play a pivotal role in the lives of Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center and Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem residents.

These special volunteers provide love, comfort, companionship and encouragement to residents and staff alike.

Here’s a look at the beloved pet visitors of Good Shepherd:

Tiny Chihuahua Bear joins his brother Maverick at Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center nearly every day.

Bear’s sweet face and calming demeanor make him a favorite with residents.

Rainbow and Sprinkles are two of four African Love Birds that live and play at Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem.

Rainbow and Sprinkles have hatched multiple baby birds over the years, which has been fun for residents and staff alike to observe. Resident volunteers provide them with lots of love and fresh water daily.

Coco is a 5-year-old mixed breed rescue who spends her time in the recreational therapy area at Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem twice a week.

Coco comes to work with her mom, Bonnie, a therapy aide, and is greeted by residents with treats and head scratches.

17-year-old Russian Blue, Charcoal, rules the roost at Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem.

He can be found snuggled up on the laps of residents or sleeping in one of the many cat beds throughout the home. On weekends, resident volunteers ensure Charcoal has fresh water and food — and, of course, lots of attention.

Support therapeutic recreation in long-term care at Good Shepherd. Learn how.

Mellow and Yellow (not pictured) are also African Love Birds residing at Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem.

They, along with the resident fish and other resident birds’ habitats are cared for by Robins Nest Aviaries.

Golden Retriever Bella joins her human, Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center Administrator Carrie Kane every day.

She can be seen carrying her leash around in her mouth or lounging under a table.

Miniature Pinscher mix Maverick enjoys coming to work with his mom, Elba, a registered nurse at Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center.

Maverick loves the attention he gets from residents and staff.

Felix and Oscar are 3-year-old brothers who spend their days eating treats and being spoiled by Good Shepherd Home – Bethlehem residents.

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Sweet Charity.