Innisfail school kids will soon see the return of cuddly, big-eared help.
Potter and Ron, the new pair of male bunnies from Innisfail's Naturally Nurtured program, will be visiting Grade 4 kids at École John Wilson Elementary School in January and Grade 4 children at Chinook Center School in the spring.
“That is when the schools have always done the program, and we have always ran it in the winter after Christmas. That seems to be when we can fit them with the schedule,” said Ley-Anne Mountain, owner of Naturally Nurtured, which specializes in teaching healthy, natural techniques for health and wellness through the therapeutic power of animals.
Potter and Ron, named after J. K. Rowling's famous fictional wizard Harry Potter and his sidekick and best friend Ron Weasley, are resuming the heartwarming teaching skills of the late Einstein, a French lop bunny who passed away on June 26, 2014. Einstein and his two-year-old partner Willow, a female Flemish giant, became legends in local schools for their playful style of classroom instruction.
“Einstein and Willow were very well known and loved in our community. These two new bunnies are picking up where Einstein and Willow left off with their own individual personalities and gifts,” said Mountain, adding the benefits students and clients receive can't be underestimated. “We learn techniques to take care of our physical health such as relaxation,” she added. “It is taught by the animals because they have to take care of their health or they don't survive.”
But with Einstein's sad passing in June, the painful loss affected Willow deeply. She has now settled into retirement, said Mountain.
“They were a team. She is not going anymore because she is not doing very well without Einstein,” said Mountain. “Willow is fine, but she is retired from classes. She has retired in our yard now.”
Both new bunnies were born last April and Mountain said they have already bonded comfortably.
“They are best friends. It is cute,” she said.
In the meantime, both are getting ready to teach kids, and adults as well, many new techniques for better health. When Potter and Ron are not delighting students at local schools, they are sure to be a big hit at seniors' lodges, day homes and even the public library – just like Einstein and Willow before them.
“They were very welcomed,” said Mountain.
For more information about Potter and Ron, along with the programs at Naturally Nurtured, contact Mountain at 403-350-4426.
