Bunnies hop their way into residents' hearts at Yellowknife seniors' home

Two big footed, long-eared volunteers are helping out at aseniors home in Yellowknife.

Rabbits Kobe and Kenya are the newest additions to Aven Manor's pet therapy program, where animals are brought in to spend time with the seniors.

The two were recently surrendered to the NWT SPCA in Yellowknife.The organization says the two are a bonded pair and can't be separated.

Theywere adopted by Avens andnow spend their days wrapped in blankets, being passed from senior to senior.

Avens recreation supervisorCarol Norwegiansays Kobe and Kenya are a big hit.

"It's very calming, soothing, especially for someone that's just sitting around and not doing very much," she said.

"There's so much joy that they have just holding the bunny."

Studies have shown that just stroking a pet can reduce blood pressure and therapy animals are widely used to reduce stress.

But having grown up hunting and trapping, for some residents having rabbits as pets is a novelty.

When asked if he liked the rabbit he was holding, resident Maurice Mendolaughed andsaid "I like to eat it."

He addedhe hadn't seen a rabbit in a while.

"I like animals and animals like me," he said.

The two rabbits are litter-trained and currently live inAven'sfront office.