Thanks to the ongoing attention of OFI’s current long-term enrichment volunteers, precious, disabled Hockey has made some remarkable strides in the past few months! Every few days, while she is on her daily morning release, Hockey completes a physiotherapy session. After going for a ride in her signature “gerobak” (Indonesian word for “cart”), Hockey explores the grounds of the Care Centre before doing stretches with two or three “Hockey helpers” for ten to fifteen minutes each. Each “Hockey helper” assists Hockey by stretching one or two limbs so Hockey can build strength in her arms and legs. After stretching Hockey’s limbs, the “Hockey helpers” hold only Hockey’s forearms while she stands up, building further strength.
While this is not the most comfortable experience for dearest, precious Hockey, she does not appear to be in pain. The results from this physiotherapy are incredible! When Hockey is being held aloft by her arms, she can lift herself off the ground and grasp both her helpers. She has built a strong grip in three of her four limbs so she can actually hold onto her helpers while they carry her. The most amazing improvement is that Hockey can now sit up and almost stand on her own without any support! With all these improvements, Hockey has also been able to expand her diet. She now consumes whole peanuts, in addition to bananas and various leaves and plants.
Hockey’s new strength is allowing her to be more independent when she’s on her daily releases. She moves wherever she wants to and does what she wants. One of the cats at the Care Centre has taken a fancy to Hockey and will curl up on the mat beside her when Hockey is on release. Hockey is more alert and focused than ever. She is less dependent on her mouth for tasting and interacting than she was in the recent past.
With continued commitment from our “Hockey helpers,” we are excited to watch Hockey’s success and delighted to see her independence grow as the physical therapy continues!