Mattapoisett Farm Brings Alpacas, Goats, & More to Nursing Homes

The last year in the coronavirus pandemic has been hard on everyone, but the loneliness that nursing home residents must have felt is unimaginable.

When the pandemic first forced the SouthCoast into total lockdown last spring, Pine Meadow Alpacas in Mattapoisett began visiting nursing homes across the region, animals and all, with one goal in mind: to gives residents something to look forward to in a time where they couldn't have friends or family visit in-person.

Pine Meadow brought everyone from their resident tortoises and bunnies to mini horses and goats to the visits, but their alpacas were always the best to bring for window visits because their height allows them to be eye-to-eye with residents.

One year later, COVID restrictions across Massachusetts and the SouthCoast have loosened up a bit, but the relationships Pine Meadow developed last year have allowed them to set up return visits with residents this spring. The farm kicked off its 2021 visits at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion on Tuesday, when residents and nurses were able to enjoy the sunshine, cold beverages and plenty of cuddles with Pine Meadow's brand new goat kids.

Pine Meadow also stopped by Alden Court in Fairhaven on Thursday and will bringing the animals to Hathaway Manor in New Bedford next week. They will also be making a second trip to Alden Court next month in honor of Nurses Appreciation Week.

Pine Meadow also just started up its goat cuddling sessions again so SouthCoast residents can get up close and personal with these adorable little babies. Keep an eye on the farm's Facebook page for the chance to sign up.