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The Power of Play by Charlotte Kovalchuk
H
olding Oreo in her arms is pure bliss for
them to be,” Shannan says. “I have worked in corpo-
Phyllis Connor. “I love him and he loves me.
rate [senior] communities a long time, and we want
He’s just precious,” the senior resident says as she pets and kisses her Joy for All cat. Joy for All companion pets help alleviate social
Seeing how much Phyllis loved cats, Shannan and Laura posted a Facebook video asking the
isolation, loneliness, and cognitive decline by deliv-
community for a Joy for All cat, a lifelike companion
ering joy, fun, and happiness to improve quality of
designed to bring comfort and companionship to
life. The company sells dogs and cats and will soon
seniors. “Everyone just went crazy,” Shannan says.
have birds available. In May, Phyllis and six other residents at Platinum
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to change the industry in positive ways.”
The community went above and beyond, donating seven cats and promising to give more if need-
Resort Assisted Living and Memory Care in George-
ed. The impact on residents, who have a newfound
town were gifted with interactive, animatronic cats.
purpose in caring for their furry friends, has been
Members of the community answered the call put
life changing. “They’re very soothing and calming. It
out by Platinum Resort owners Shannan Conway and
makes them feel safe and brings them so much joy,”
Laura Chotkevys to donate to the effort. “One of our
Shannan says. “We watch them decline day in and
goals is to make all our residents’ lives better and
day out. Seeing the change it’s brought to some of
happy, and to inspire them to be who God made
them—it’s really heartfelt.”
J ULY 2022
