Farm animals from Hairy Henry farm visited Kinsale Hospital, bringing joy to residents during St Patricks Day celebrations.
Even with limited speech, people interact with the animals. Many hospital residents are truly happy. Their faces light up when the animals appear.
Sandra took sheep, lambs, and donkeys to Kinsale Hospital. Dogs and guinea pigs joined them too! They celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. The animals wore festive Irish clothes. Sandra likes to represent the different seasons.
She brings outdoor life to hospitals and homes. She knows many residents well after years of visits. Residents remember animals’ names. Many older patients came from rural farms.
Even with strokes or dementia, they still react. Their touch shows a connection to animals. It touches something very deep.
Sandra loved animals since she was a child. She rode horses at nine years old. She has certificates for horse handling. Her horse, Henry, is 18. He is trained for therapeutic riding.
Sandra uses horses for ploughing and carriage work. She also does forestry work. She often participates in competitions. Horseback riding is her hobby. Sandra is also a registered social worker.
She always wanted to combine animals and social work. It helps people on many different levels. Touching animals gives emotional stimulation.
Sandra also works with children. She helps them learn to ride safely. The Hairy Henry animals joined Bantry’s parade. They are helping teens struggling in school. This new program is “Giddy Up and Go.”