Each of us indulge in our own form of therapy. For some Canadians, that includes a therapy rooster named Louise who rolls around the farm in a wheelchair.
Now you might think Louise an unusual name for a rooster. But that’s not the only unusualy thing about this rooster, who went viral recently thanks to his small wheelchair.
Disabled rooster loves his new wheelchair https://t.co/6wgSM6e2AM pic.twitter.com/zj1ouz480C
— CBC British Columbia (@cbcnewsbc) January 24, 2017
For one, Louise’s previous family thought him a hen. Fortunate break as baby roosters tend to get slaughtered. Another lucky moment for Louise: the children on the farm liked him, despite his two deformed legs that made it difficult to contend with fellow birds for food.
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“He arrived at our farm in 2015 as a baby hen and as he grew, it slowly started to dawn on us that he wasn’t a hen,” Sali’s Farm Founder Keryn Denroche told CBC British Columbia.
Every day should end with a rooster hug. #yearoftherooster #farmsanctuary #redrooster #rescuerooster #therapyrooster pic.twitter.com/mI4OYvO9KN
— Kindred Community Farm Sanctuary (@kindred_farm) January 10, 2017
Sali’s Farm hosts at-risk children to pair with volunteers and animals so they may develop empathy, compassion, respect, and caring skills.
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Since relationships with humans are more confusing and unpredictable, children at-risk are more available and open to animal relationships. They feel the unconditional acceptance from the animals and trust more readily. When these experiences are paired with a nurturing, trustworthy adult, the childʼs ability to heal and learn is enhanced.
Animals like Louise help inspire the kids, as they witness the hardships Louise has faced and continues to battle. Then, in that way only animals can, Louise displays serious affection to children, furthering that connection.
As Denroche told CBC, “”Now, when the kids come, they hear about his story and they see him with his very visible disability and it just resonates with the kids, because some of their stories aren’t that great. When they come here, they get unconditional love from Louise and that can have a really big impact on them.”
So as adorable as this wheelchair-bound rooster might be, his purpose is far being just another internet sensation.
