Move over therapy dogs; there’s a new four-legged friend stealing hearts at an Olathe senior living facility, and he comes with a curly tail and a fondness for apples.
Oden, a miniature pig who started his career no bigger than a soup can, has grown into his role as Good Samaritan Society’s most unexpected staff member. The 40-pound therapy animal now struts confidently through hallways where he once timidly hid under chairs.
“All the staff always come back and see him quite a bit,” said Brett Martin, the facility’s maintenance director and Oden’s proud owner. The pig’s office, separated by a baby gate, has become one of the most popular spots in the building, with residents and staff regularly stopping by for visits.
The sociable swine has developed quite a following among residents, particularly in the memory care unit. His presence often triggers touching moments as former farmers connect with memories of their agricultural past, bringing tears of joy during his visits.
Resident Mindy Howell remembers the initial buzz about their unusual new therapy animal. “Everybody was talking about him, and I had never seen him,” she recalled. “But it’s awesome!”
Between his therapeutic duties, Oden maintains a busy schedule of treat sampling, courtesy of his many admirers. Martin admits his pig has become “a little overweight” from all the attention, but the extra pounds haven’t slowed down this porcine ray of sunshine.
The unconventional therapy program proves that sometimes the best medicine comes with a snout and a gentle grunt, bringing unexpected joy to seniors and staff alike.
