Help us spread the puppy love!
Please donate today to bring smiles, joy and relief to those who are in need of comfort during these tough times.
Therapy animals bringing joy, comfort, and stimulation
Many people with a disability struggle with loneliness and isolation, which has greatly been exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions.
For many of our 5,200 customers during lockdowns, therapy and weighted animals has provided much-needed physical touch, companionship, and comfort.
Since COVID-19, we’ve received an overwhelming number of requests for sensory animals from Aruma customers of all ages. See two of their stories below!
Please help and donate today to bring smiles, joy and relief to those who are in need of comfort during these tough times.
Meet Kevin and Goldie
Goldie barks, wags his tail and loves a good pat, but he’s no ordinary golden retriever puppy. Goldie is a robotic companion dog, designed to provide companionship to people with disabilities and medical conditions, such as dementia.
Our Victorian customer Kevin’s love of animals is well-known by our team. However, owning a dog wasn’t an option for Kevin due to the risk of falls, so the team came up with an innovative idea. They helped Kevin find the perfect furry companion – a robot golden retriever called Goldie.
“Goldie was an instant hit! The minute Kevin saw and held his dog, he couldn’t stop grinning and patting it” – Lauren Jakowenko, House Supervisor
Meet Cathy and Woodrow
Kevin’s not the only one to receive a new furry friend. Above is the exact moment our customer Cathy received her new therapy cat! The cat, named Woodrow, is designed to support Cathy with her anxiety and panic attacks.
Woodrow is weighted so he acts as a sensory tool to support anxiety management. He’s fluffy and lifelike to provide a calm and comforting companion. And, of course, he’s very cute!
“I love how this photo captures her emotion. She cried she was so happy” – Yvonne Fuller, Team Leader.