(Petpositive is going into the jungle!)
PETPOSITIVE NEWS UPDATE:
(Taken from Petpositive's blog: http://www.petpositive.blogspot.com/)
First, they thought we were "outrageous".
Now they'll probably think that we've plain gone crazy!
Petpositive - Malaysia's first and only animal-assisted therapy (AAT) Society for handicapped and senior citizens in the country - is back.
And once again about to perform the unimaginable!
After having turned ordinary and often unseen handicapped and elderly persons into instant VIPs at our official launching dinner in a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur last July, we're going wild this month.
Petpositive is taking a couple of dozen disabled and elderly Malaysians - quite a few of them with profound disabilities - into the "jungles" of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, Selangor.
The youngest is 18 years of age and the oldest is 77.
(Drenched after a sudden, heavy shower but all smiles at FRIM)
Called Petpositive's "Valentina Project" after our Society's first AAT rabbit which died of cancer earlier this year, the outing will take place at the end of the month on the eve of All Hallows Eve or Halloween's Day on Tuesday, October 30.
(The late Valentina impressed many hearts at Petpositive's meeting)
Whilst many perceive disability as a virtual "death sentence" and old age as people living under "borrowed time", Petpositive begs to differ.
We're adamant that the disabled and the elderly can and should lead a high quality of life.
That's why our NGO is taking the challenge to give about 20-disabled and elderly persons an opportunity that's never been offered before - to go on a nature walk under the thick canopy of wild flora and fauna in FRIM.
The four-hour exercise that begins at 9am is part of Petpositive's first-ever AAT session in the nation.
Participants made up of the blind, Deaf, persons with spinal injuries to others with neurological conditons will be guided through the forest on a special path in FRIM which has been designed for wheelchairs.
The journey will be led by FRIM research officer Elango Velauthan who was instrumental in designing the wheelchair path.
(Disabled loos - too close for comfort?)
Some of the participants will be accompanied by their pet companions who have been specially invited by Petpositive.
The excursion will also include an AAT session on rabbit appreciation and care. It will be conducted by two of Petpositive's bunny-handlers Captain Abdul Karim Stuart Russell and Fasidah Sabeh.
FRIM expert Norsham Yaakob, who is a trained zoologist, will also introduce some of FRIM's wildlife to all the participants.
Participants will be encouraged to put their animal-care questions forward to the presenters, as well as to at least two of Petpositive's animal-care experts: Dr P Vanaja, a senior veterinarian and Dr Jon Satyamoorthy, our Society's Secretary.
Dr Anna Padma Soosai, Petpositive's Vice-President will be the doctor on standby at the event.
The event will wrap up with an AAT review session over lunch by Petpositive.
(One for the album . . . say Cheese!)
The Valentina Project is working on having a strong volunteer support with the help of Petpositive volunteer Sally Addington and Valentina Project-Coordinator Lynda Merican who is also our Society's Special Adviser.
Please note that participants from ages 18 and above have already been selected to take part in this month's walk.
If you are interested to participate in Petpositive's next jungle walk and AAT session, kindly submit your details to the email address below.
Please call 012 220 3146 (aNt) if you wish to help or mailto:petpositive@yahoo.com
1 comment:
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