The Cootamundra Southern Cross Care Apartments has put this theory to the test with their regular pet therapy sessions for the residents.

The residents have enjoyed special visits from cats, kittens, dogs, chickens and ducks just to name a few.

The latest of animals to enjoy the company of the residents was a three-week-old alpaca owned by Southern Cross Care Apartments employee Mary Luck.

The baby alpaca is named ‘Miracle’.

This is an appropriate name considering it was not known the alpaca’s mum was even pregnant and the infant was found in a paddock shortly after birth.

For many of the residents at the village they have either come off the land, been around animals all their lives or have owned pets before moving to the village, so the residents are always excited by visits by animals.

Southern Cross Care lifestyle coordinator Carol Campbell said the residents enjoy pet therapy.

“The residents love patting, cuddling and talking about the pets,” Mrs Campbell said.