Meet Oreo, a small cat with a big responsibility: Guardian of the residents at a Cleveland, Ohio nursing home.
“Oreo found us,” revealed Dana Carns, Director of Advancement at St. Augustine Health Ministries. This former stray walked into their lives about five years ago, comfortably making the facility her home. However, it’s her recent online fame that soared after Cleveland.com produced a heartwarming video showcasing Oreo’s invaluable role in the lives of the nursing home residents.
In the heart of the Cleveland nursing home, Oreo isn’t just a cat; she’s a furry beacon of love. Dana Carns, the Director of Advancement at St. Augustine Health Ministries, describes Oreo as “just another example of the love you often find in a home.” But this isn’t your average home— it’s a haven for over 200 residents, a diverse community ranging from the wise and elderly to those bravely confronting strokes and brain injuries.
Oreo, a nonchalant feline not keen on being a ‘lap cat,’ prefers closeness. Her unique charm lies in being the unofficial greeter, bringing smiles to residents, staff, and even the little ones from the early learning center. Yet, Oreo isn’t alone in her mission. Enter Coco, the on-site dog, forming a dynamic duo that goes beyond mere companionship.
Together, they’re the heartbeat of this special place, offering residents something to anticipate, care for, and shower love upon. In a world filled with heartwarming tales, Oreo and Coco’s daily rounds add a touch of feline and canine magic, making this nursing home truly exceptional.
The monochrome feline offers solace, affection, and amusement to both residents and staff in St. Augustine. It resides on the primary level of the nursing home and refrains from venturing upstairs to the residents’ rooms.
Carns mentioned that, on a few instances throughout the years, certain residents have attempted to bring their personal cats to cohabit with them. However, this arrangement seldom proved successful, as the animals struggled to adapt to the bustling atmosphere of the facility. Additionally, the majority of residents lack the capacity to independently care for their own pets.
In the aforementioned video, the profound joy that Oreo brings to the residents is unmistakable.
Carns expressed, “I’m uncertain whether Oreo sought us out, or if we were the ones in need of Oreo, but she has undeniably become a wonderful addition to our family.”