It is in North Carolina that our gaze turns where in a camp founded by the family of a big name of the NASCAR, a famous American car race, is Whitetop, a Lama not like the others.
A lama at the service of sick children
At the origin of this story is a tragedy. In 2000, the grandson of the legend of the Nascar Richard Petty, Adam, died in a car accident during a training for this same race.
Some time later, in honor of his memory, the Victory Junction is founded in the hometown of Richard Petty in North Carolina with the aim of being a reception land for children with serious, even incurable, but also physical and neurological disabilities.
And this is where the Lama Whitetop comes in. Having joined the camp in 2006, he has since been a privileged assistant to comfort sick children. With his gentle and empathetic personality, he quickly became a must with young patients, but also older ones.
As reported ABC Newshe doesn't need to do much on his side. With a calm temperament, the Lama likes to sleep while the children caresses it which can be very comforting for the children explained Billie Davis, the director of the stable located on the camp.
“” “He really helps children get out of their shell when they interact with him. He can be a little intimidating at the beginning, but once they approach him and caress him, they realize how nice he is.“She told the American media.
A friend of children and animals
Even if his age goes far beyond the average life expectancy of a Lama, which is 15 years according to the Denver Zoo (Colorado, USA), the Institute explains on its presentation page only with suitable veterinary care, it can go up to more than 20 years.
Whitetop is living proof of this, as was before him Dalai Lama who lived in Albuquerque (New Mexico, USA).
On the camp, in addition to being adored by children, but also adults who can come and seek comfort with the animal, the Lama has established strong ties with Gus-Gus, a dwarf cow which, according to camp staff, would often have fun jumping on it.
Although he has developed arthritis, Whitetop continues his mission and comforting anyone who comes to meet him. This method called Zootherapy is practiced with many animals such as dogs, cats or even horses and can be part of the care path of a patient in order to facilitate the latter for the patient.
Source : ABC News
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