Good Samaritan Village residents find peace with animals at Hastings shelter

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - When COVID-19 struck, both Good Samaritan Village-Hastings and the Heartland Pet Connection were forced to shut their doors.

Now, beginning a few months ago, the groups have partnered to bring residents of the village to the shelter to interact with the animals.

The manager of Heartland Pet Connection, Jennie Theesen, explained the benefit of the partnership, “They get to practice sitting next to people when they’re seated, not getting on tables and chairs, so it’s very important that we get to practice all of those skills with the animals. They’re also getting socialized and loved on by the residents the whole time, and we can’t do that without them.”

The benefit for the residents is even greater. ”It was quite emotional, so coming out here and seeing these pets, and sometimes they bring one in and you can pet it. Last time I was here that dog stayed with me the whole time we were in here,” said Beverly Olt, a Good Samaritan resident.

To find out more about adoption opportunities at the shelter, click here.

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