Alaska News

Meet Bacon, a therapy pig for Anchorage seniors

Kori Mateaki gets help from the animal world to care for adults with Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative disorders at the recently opened Turnagain Social Club. Bacon, a 3-month-old pot-bellied pig, does her part to provide social interaction, exercise assistance and entertainment. For the clients, Mateaki says pet therapy can be beneficial for people experiencing depression, anxiety and pain. "And she's a vacuum cleaner, too," she said. "Anytime anybody spills, she's right behind them to clean it up."

Read more: New Anchorage 'social club' cares for those with Alzheimer's

Marc Lester

Marc Lester is a multimedia journalist for Anchorage Daily News. Contact him at mlester@adn.com.

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