Perry Lutheran Homes and Acorns & Oaks Deliver to Racoon River Pet Rescue

On Wednesday, March 1, handmade dog treats were delivered with love to Racoon River Pet Rescue by residents and children from Perry Lutheran Homes and Acorns & Oaks Inter-Generational Christian Daycare all of Perry.

The treat making was coordinated by Tina Nelson, Activities Professional at Perry Lutheran Homes St. James memory care neighborhood, and Mandi Ballentine, Acorns & Oaks Director and Intergenerational Outreach Coordinator. Residents and children transformed pumpkin, applesauce, egg and whole wheat flour into delicious, heart-and-star-shaped dog treats. Perry Lutheran Homes and Acorns & Oaks inter-generational living provides daily opportunities for interactions, hugs, high-fives, and projects such as this.

PLH resident, Michele, and A&O child, Rosie, work to stir ingredients together.

“All of us at Raccoon River Pet Rescue were delighted to host Perry Lutheran Homes residents and Acorns & Oaks children. The homemade pet treats were a major hit with our furry clients. Thank you so much. Everyone present was delightfully able to interact with our furry ‘kids.’ It brought big smiles to all the faces as each pet introduced itself to our visiting friends. We can’t wait to do it again,” said Joyce Vankirk, Racoon River Pet Rescue Board Member.

Joyce Vankirk, RRPR Board Member, receives the donated treats and hugs from Acorns & Oaks children, Rosie and Vinny.

Community service and connectedness is an important part of life. Whether it’s the enjoyment of community member relationships, helping businesses progress, or furthering worthy causes, it provides purpose and joy. This is why Perry Lutheran Homes staff help residents get involved in community and service projects. Similarly, at Acorns & Oaks daycare, it’s important to teach children these values and demonstrate by action so that community service and support sticks with them for a lifetime.

Acorns & Oaks children, Vinny & Rosie, proudly carry basket full of treats into RRPR.

In early 2021, Perry Lutheran Homes adopted two, adult cats, Rodney and George, from Racoon River Pet Rescue. Pet therapy has been found to reduce stress, blood pressure and loneliness, and increase feelings of support and positivity. Residents and staff have the opportunity for pet therapy each and every day.

“We could not have found more lovable cats to join the Perry Lutheran Homes family. Rodney has free reign at Eden Acres Campus and George is king of the castle at King’s Gardens Campus. Both kitties are spoiled rotten by residents and staff. These two felines have brought so much love, joy and companionship to all, and we’re thankful to have a wonderful, no-kill shelter like Racoon River Pet Rescue in Perry,“ states Lynette Groenenboom, Director of Development at Perry Lutheran Homes.

Treat deliverers were able to meet adorable kitties Cricket, Penny, Sadie and Fish, and sweet dogs Hank and Annie. To view cats and dogs available for adoption, and to learn more about Racoon River Pet Rescue, visit https://www.raccoonriverpetrescue.com/adoption/.

Perry Lutheran Homes is your locally owned and managed, Christian Caring Community serving Perry and surrounding communities for over 65 years. Perry Lutheran Homes offers innovative, personalized, Christ-centered living and care at three campuses in Perry, IA – Spring Valley Campus, King’s Garden’s Campus and Eden Acres Campus. Services include independent and assisted living, award-winning memory care, in-home care, respite care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitative therapy, intermediate and long-term care, end-of-life care and meals on wheels.

PLH resident, Kathy, and A&O child, Vinny, add ingredients to the bowl.

Acorns & Oaks children, Rosie and Vinny, cut out heart and star shapes.

PLH resident, Dorothy's face lights up as Hank greets her and enjoys pets.

Acorns & Oaks director and kiddos get to check out the cool cat room at RRPR and enjoy petting the loveable kitty, Lucy.

RRPR Staffer, Renee Clark, gives the happy girl, Annie, a belly rub. Annie's smile says it all!

A&O Child, Rosie, loves to hold Cricket. Cricket was just along for the ride and loved the attention.

PLH residents and A&O kiddos are joined by Tina Nelson (top left), PLH Activity Professional in St. James memory care neighborhood, and Mandi Ballentine (top right), who works with the PLH activities team to integrate the Acorns & Oaks daycare children into the daily lives of residents.