| William Dent pets Magic at a recent visit to the Parkdale Care Center. |
His purring is magic and his warmth is contagious.
“I think this cat was made to do this,” stated Chris Langstein, as she gently passes Magic, a pitch black cat to a senior at Parkdale Care Center.
Magic and Langstein visit the seniors every couple weeks and they just sit and talk as the elderly men and women pet the kitty and listen to its soothing purrs.
Magic is one of the many animals part of the local PAWS program that is used as a way to reach out and comfort the elderly.
Langstein and her veterinarian believe Magic is between six and eight years old, but since it was a rescue animal they have no way of knowing exactly.
At their home, Magic has claimed a certain chair in Langstein’s shop and anyone who sits there is fair game for his love and affection. This happened a few months ago when Nancy Bentley, director of Active Re-Entry was visiting the shop and befriended Magic. The rest is history as Bentley suggested to Langstein that Magic would be a perfect part of the PAWS program.
And like his name, the love that he spreads is magic. The kitty is calming and soothing to the seniors.
“It’s a known fact that people who have pets live longer,” explained Lanstein.
She also explained that pets often lower people’s blood pressure besides the incredible companionship they provide.
At their home Magic and Langstein share their space with an Australian Shepherd, named Boudin.
When asked how Magic feels about coming to visit the seniors Langstein explained that he definitely knows the difference between the retirement home and the veterinarian office.
Before Magic became part of the PAWS program he had to be tested by a four-person committee to see if he would be compatible for the program.
The committee raised their voices and even rushed toward him and exposed him to situations that could frighten him. Despite this, Magic was calm and passed the test with flying colors.
“Magic loves to come and visit here,” Langstein concluded.