Oreyo and Marcy have been together for 10 years. Marcy rescued Oreyo from the local animal shelter and she instantly knew that he would make an excellent therapy animal.
Although most pet therapy animals are dogs, Marcy knew that Oreyo was different. He has all the qualities needed to be universally loved. He has a great personality and is calm around kids, dogs, miniature horses, other rabbits, and many other types of animals.
As a registered Pet Partner Team with Paws4Healing and Pet Partners, and a certified R.E.A.D. team, Oreyo and Marcy had to go through a variety of tests and screenings. The tests see how animals react to loud noises, people touching and petting them, and their responses to other animals. Oreyo has received the highest rating of “complex” which means he’s certified to serve in any facility, including libraries and schools. Oreyo also visits a local assisted living facility, but he especially loves kids and loves being at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House.
Being a rabbit makes him more approachable to people who are afraid of dogs, so even young kids are not afraid of him. Many people have never seen a rabbit before or had the opportunity to pet one. Animals are not judgmental and they offer unconditional love. It makes you feel good when you pet an animal and allows you to step back from whatever is going on in your life and helps to let you forget your problems. When people are with animals, it helps to calm them down and lowers their blood pressure.
Oreyo is now 10 ½. With an average life expectancy of 7-10 years, Oreyo is in great shape. Marcy feels that with good care, along with lots of love and attention, he will live longer than most rabbits. His simple diet consists of greens, oats, hay and pellets.
On a volunteer basis, Oreyo comes to the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House many times throughout the year. He even comes to the House with different holiday themed baskets.
For information on how you can help the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House provide families of critically ill children with lodging and support programs, please call us at 323-644-3000.
