CLEARLAKE – It seems no dream is too big or too small for the residents of Orchard Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community. From high-flying aspirations to fur-flying desires, residents of the center are getting what they”ve always wanted.
Virginia VanVelzer, 80, was the latest resident to have her dream realized. VanVelzer”s dream was simple. All she wanted was a cat.
Staff at Orchard Park had little trouble making VanVelzer”s dream come true. It was as easy as a visit to the Lake County Animal Care and Control facility, where they found a beautiful feline through the Adopt-A-Pet program.
“When I first moved here, I told the girls I wanted a kitty,” VanVelzer said. “We all seen the dream banner and we were wondering who it was for. I was really surprised when it turned out to me.”
VanVelzer has named her loving companion Chester. Chester the kitty has brought her much happiness, she said. Staff and fellow residents at Orchard Park said that they can see the joy that the animal has brought to VanVelzer”s life.
“Having a cat was a big issue to her. Giving her a pet was like giving her back her home,” Assistant Administrator Gloria Ghiringhelli said. “The residents said it was the best dream they ever had. You should have seen her eyes; she just lit up.”
Administrator Kimberly Kent said a pet can be very important to a senior”s well-being and emotional health. “Now she has somebody to take care of and somebody to love her,” Kent said. “We brought the kitty to her and she was crying she was so happy. I said ?this kitty needs you” because it was a rescue kitty and she said she thinks she needs him even more.”
Chester the kitty is fitting right in at Orchard Park. VanVelzer said his favorite toys are empty medication bottles and the call-cords that summon the staff. “He”s pretty feisty. His favorite time to play is in the middle of the night. He loves to pull the cords and he loves to sleep in the sink,” she said. “We like spending our evenings watching TV together. Chester”s favorite programs are about animals. I really think he can tell the difference, too.”
Orchard Park”s Dream Day program has brought happiness to residents in many forms. The first dreams to be realized involved flights over Lake County. One resident had a chance to revisit his career in law enforcement and another was given an opportunity to jump out of an airplane. In November, Helen Dabney was hailed “Queen for a Day” as a special guest at the Park Study Club”s annual fashion show, where Paris was brought to Clearlake just for her.
Jane McKnight, Orchard Park community relations coordinator said there are more Dream Days to come. Staff is currently working toward coordinating a special day with a local judge for the next lucky resident.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
