Stuey and Huxley a Cheerful Therapy Team

Huxley, the therapy dog of Resthaven Marion Community Services*, continues to delight clients. He first started visiting in May 2019. However, he’s not the only animal star at the site: meet ‘Stuart Little,’ or ‘Stuey,’ the ragdoll cat.

Manager, Lee Bennetts, says, "Stuey belongs to Program Assistant, Shelley, who is also a registered ragdoll breeder."

"Stuey was born in September 2019, one of six in a litter. However, he was found non-responsive at three days old."

"Luckily, Stuey was given emergency attention and he came around, but spent every day thereafter here at Resthaven Marion Community Services being fed and cared for by staff and clients."

"He was named Stuart Little by a staff member, due to looking very similar to the movie character of the same name."

"Stuey loves going on car rides, whether it be a short trip to McDonalds, or a 12-hour road trip to the country to visit the family farm."

"He also spends respite time with Coordinator, Susan-Jane, at her house, playing with her cats and dogs."

"Staff and clients have enjoyed watching Stuey grow from a tiny newborn kitten into a beautiful young man."

"Stuey only visits periodically now, but he loves coming in to catch up with everyone, including his mate, Huxley."

What a great team!

Resthaven Marion Community Services offers a range of support for older people and their carers. Health professionals practicing from the onsite wellness centre include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a podiatrist and social worker. Support groups to assist in management of chronic conditions involve gentle exercise groups and social support.

Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services are available for people in their own homes.

Celebrating 85 years in 2020, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.

*Huxley is a 2½ year old labradoodle x cavalier whose mum was rescued from a puppy farm three days before he was born. He visits the site often with his owner, Occupational Therapist, Lucy.