We are very pleased to update you on the progress Hockey has made over the past months. Because of the unique physical challenges Hockey faces, her caregivers set a plan for her each day based on their analysis of her physical and mental condition at that time. When Hockey’s energy is low, her caregivers give her tailor-made enrichment materials to enjoy as she sees fit in her enclosure, including some new toys that help train her fingers and arms for more refined functions. On days when Hockey has more energy, her caregivers take her outside for various “adventures” like physiotherapy sessions. Because of consistent therapy over the years, Hockey is now able to sit up straight by herself and move around her enclosure with ease, something she was not capable of doing before.

On some days Hockey’s caregivers organize more “natural” forms of physiotherapy for her.  They take Hockey into the Learning Forest where she can sit, gaze up into the canopy, smell the jungle, and hear the buzzing of tropical insects. They hand her fresh leaves, which she carefully tastes with her flexible tongue. While Hockey does have some difficulty expressing herself through movement, her eyes speak volumes. Hockey clearly enjoys every minute of her time in the forest where all her senses are activated.  She is clearly fascinated. One of her favourite activities is going to a soft grass field where her caregivers brush out her long hair and give her a well-deserved scrub. She seems to relish the pampering and quality time spent with her caregivers. The only thing better is the delicious melon she will feast on later!

Everyone who meets Hockey for the first time falls for her right away. With her calm nature and inquisitive character, she owns the gift of a remarkable and serene character.

Despite her physical challenges, Hockey is good-natured and, with the help of her amazing caregivers, makes the best of every day. While she might not be able to climb the highest trees, she seems to do so in her imagination.

Click here to download Hockey’s August 2017 Foster Update