On April 28,
1997, a new employee was hired at Brooks-Howell Home. Jeannette
Byrd, Director of Social Services, and Dea Russell, Director of
Environmental Services, had attended a workshop on the “Eden
Alternative,” (a new concept in nursing home environments),
in March. They learned how nursing homes across the country are
coming to realize the importance of using animals, plants, and
children to help improve the quality of life for those health
unit residents who have feelings of helplessness, loneliness, and
boredom.For some time staff in Social Services had been hoping to find a live-in animal, and when an official from the state of North Carolina changed its policies on animals in nursing homes, they decided the time was right to take the plunge. So, on April 28, 1997, Tricia Fisher, Recreational Therapist, interviewed and hired a masculine feline to begin work immediately in the home. He had wandered into the local “Friends of Animals” headquarters and immediately began caring for younger kittens. He was judged to be about one year old and had soft black and white fur. He was very handsome and personable.
Since the cat had no name, a contest was held to find one. Resident Patricia Riddell came up with the suggested name. Because he looks like a harlequin, she suggested that he be called “Sir Harlequin dé Howell.” Of course, this was soon shortened to “Harley.” Harley is now a favorite resident at Brooks-Howell Home.