Perfectly groomed with a bowtie, Santa hat, and glittery hooves, Pascal, a miniature nine-year-old horse, showcases his tricks like jumping, waving, and bowing to the residents at the Wales Home in Cleveland, Quebec. Despite not being your typical therapy animal, Pascal has captured the hearts of many and is among the 50 animals under Toutous Poilus, a zoo animation organization.
Owner Anne Caroline Coutu describes Pascal as having a lot of character and the ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level. The interaction with Pascal is described as almost magical by those who witness it.
Together with the owner, animal troupe, and volunteers, emotional support is provided to residents in residences, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. They have a busy schedule, visiting locations in Quebec’s Eastern Townships and the greater Montreal area almost daily.
Accompanied by around twenty other animals including guinea pigs, doves, cats, bunnies, and dogs, Pascal remains the star attraction. Polly McClure Gifford, a resident at the care home, reminisces about her childhood on a farm when Pascal visits, triggering fond memories of her past.
The animals’ visits, which occur about once a month, are highly anticipated by the residents at Wales Home. Many of the residents, coming from a farming background, miss having pets of their own, making the animal visits a nostalgic and comforting experience for them.
Lysanne Hamel, the activities co-ordinator at Wales Home, mentions that the animals not only evoke cherished memories for the residents but also provide a means for staff to connect with them more effectively.
The positive impact of Toutous Poilus inspired Hamel to collaborate with Coutu to create a picture book titled “Lily Courtepointe,” named after one of the guinea pigs in the organization. The book, illustrated by a neighbor, was published in the fall.
Jean Coates, a resident who initially claimed not to be an animal lover, found herself enjoying the company of the animals during their visit. Pascal’s training, patience, and ability to follow instructions are highlighted by Coutu, who started training him after winning him on a game show in 2016.
Coutu emphasizes the importance of respecting Pascal’s boundaries and ensuring his well-being alongside the training process. Witnessing the therapeutic effects of animals firsthand with her father, who had Alzheimer’s, inspired Coutu to establish Toutous Poilus in 2010. The organization now relies on volunteers to conduct 10 to 12 sessions weekly across Quebec.
The animals, including Pascal, are well-trained in cleanliness, allowing them to visit healthcare and residential facilities without causing any mess. Volunteer Annie Lavariere praises the behind-the-scenes work involved in the organization, which enables them to meet numerous requests effectively.
The impact of animals on people’s well-being is highlighted by Lavariere, who emphasizes that animals offer a non-judgmental source of comfort regardless of one’s background or health status.