Submitted
Michael J. Pounce is an important member of the Janus team. He spends a good part of his day overseeing all of the activities going on at Janus as he roams the hallways, program areas and offices.
Pounce is the special Janus cat who has reigned over Janus for seven years. Beloved by clients and staff alike, Pounce was found as a newborn kitten on the Janus loading dock. Abandoned by his mother, Pounce was adopted by the Janus staff who cared for him during his early months.
A year later, another cat named Koko joined Pounce at Janus. Koko was seen running on U.S. 31 in Kokomo and was rescued by a staff member. Wilma the bunny, two guinea pigs named Chloe and Zoey, and some goldfish have also joined the Janus family.
Once a year, Purdue Extension provides Janus with baby chick eggs and everyone at Janus gets to experience the amazing hatching process.
Numerous research studies have found that having a pet benefits people in many ways. Petting your cat simply feels good and can lower your blood pressure, help your body release a relaxation hormone and reduce the levels of stress hormones. Pets can help calm someone in moments of anxiety. Even watching fish can ease tense muscles. People with autism and developmental disabilities can reap great benefits from their pets.
Most of the Janus clients do not have pets of their own, so the Janus pets are very special to them. The affection that the pets give to them help them develop confidence in their ability to form a bond and become friends with other people. People and pets do not need words to communicate. Pets do not judge us and accept all of us for the way we are.
Like many of the Janus clients, Sharil makes sure that she gets some time to visit and talk with the pets each day. When she finds Pounce, it is evident by her smile and joyous expression that this is one of the highlights of her day.