The Utah Red Cross will honor a very special someone at a Heroes Recognition Event this upcoming March – a baby red kangaroo called Charlie. The joey is one of about a dozen therapy animals that bring joy to the residents at William E. Christoffersen Veterans Home in Salt Lake City. “And it doesn’t matter what they look like or how they act,” administrator Noralyn Kahn told KUTV. “He’s there to love them.” The four-legged animal has been at the home for about a year, and has made trips to special education classes and hospice care facilities.
**The marsupial has developed a close bond with residents and visitors alike, including Bernie Kindred who moved into the home around the same time as Charlie.**
Charlie meeting photog Jay! See the story #kutv2news at 10 pic.twitter.com/m7QLttJZIf — Lisa Nico (@LisaNicoNews) February 8, 2016
**According to Kindred, they often hang out in his room and eat licorice together.**
Admiring Charlie the #RedKangaroo #KUTV2News at 10. pic.twitter.com/NTKJRnGeyW — Lisa Nico (@LisaNicoNews) February 9, 2016
**”It is very emotional to me because it is such tenderness. And it makes such a difference in so many lives,” Kahn continued.**
Watching this guy get around is a hoot! pic.twitter.com/XmTiUxbb20 — Lisa Nico (@LisaNicoNews) February 9, 2016
**Charlie is nearly a year old and weighs about 30 pounds, but will soon grow to be over 5 feet tall and 125 pounds. After that, he will have to leave Christoffersen.**
Such love here! @UtahRedCross #kutv2news at 10 pic.twitter.com/uIsN8dJWZz — Lisa Nico (@LisaNicoNews) February 8, 2016
**”This is a very unique story, ” said Red Cross representative Rich Woodruff. “And we are pleased and proud to honor the work of Noralyn and of course Charlie.”**
“It makes it so that the grandkids aren’t afraid to come see Grandpa. Because they can come see Charlie, too.” pic.twitter.com/jEU8jpss16 — Lisa Nico (@LisaNicoNews) February 9, 2016
**It is not uncommon for us to hear heartwarming stories about therapy dogs, but Charlie’s story sheds light on the variety of animals that support communities every day.**