Our pets aren't just cute and cuddly family members we love and spoil. They're all great mood boosters, good for your mind, body, and soul. There's something incredible about taking care of a being other than yourself, learning how to be responsible for that being, and receiving their unconditional love and affection. In short, there's nothing like a pet's love!
Craig now understands the power of having a pet. He is disabled, and felt the added effects of his disability on his health and well-being. His pet, Minnie, is a monkey. She "alleviates the pain" of being in a wheelchair physically by being his lifeline and doing tasks like picking up his phone when he drops it, but also emotionally. He says that the their bond comes with the ultimate sign of her trust: she even grooms him!
His playful companion was provided free of charge by the organization Helping Hands, an organization that specializes in providing capuchin monkeys to disabled individuals. The monkeys are trained to perform various tasks and respond to different calls, based on the needs of the person. They are trained to pick objects up from the floor, turn lights on and off, and to open water bottles — small tasks that their owners have difficulty doing on their own. They are the "hands" of their humans!
We love that these monkeys are able to help their human friends, and in turn be loved and appreciated!
If you love how Helping Hands is making the lives of disabled individuals just a little easier, please SHARE!
