Notice of Non‑Discrimination and Notification of Rights Under Title VI
The Beauty of Companionship
Posted February 07, 2013
At Hale Makua Wailuku, everyone knows Mochi, the day-time dog. Mochi belongs to Wailuku Activities Director Thaedra Aiyana-Pascarella and comes with her to work. He visits with residents and provides cheerful companionship. Mochi may be a small dog, but she is a big presence at Hale Makua Wailuku, making friends wherever she goes.
In the photo above, a holiday performance on Christmas Eve was an opportunity for residents, community members, and animals to come together for a moment of friendship in the Hale Makua Wailuku dining room. Residents Dolly Villarimo, and Annie Quitan held hands while Mochi watched the entertainers closely.
Having Mochi at the Wailuku campus on a regular basis allows residents to form a relationship with her and feel that they have participation in his care. This connects residents to Mochi and to each other, and is an example of Eden Alternative Principle 3, which states “Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. Elders deserve easy access to human and animal companionship.”