Rock n’ Rescue is a nonprofit animal organization based in South Salem, N.Y., and its “happy tails” have been making the 30-mile trip into Newtown.

The nonprofit not only rescues and rehomes pets, but it also offers unique therapy programs.

James Scova, director of communications, told The Newtown Bee, “We make animal therapy the basis of our mission, and our motto is ‘We rescue pets to rescue people.’”

Rock n’ Rescue started its therapy initiatives with the Nursing Home Kitty Therapy Program (Kitty Klub) in 2018.

“We bring older cats and kittens (and sometimes bunnies and puppies) to nursing homes to interact with the residents,” Scova said. “This program involves a visit where residents can both cuddle with kittens and discuss specific cat-related topics. Others that cannot hold the animals play with kittens that are contained in a playpen and they try to ‘catch’ the kitten with a toy.”

The benefits from this program include everything from stress reduction to an increase in self-esteem and motivation for those involved.

According to Rock n’ Rescue’s website, “Positive effects of Animal Assisted Therapy have also been noted through objective physiological measures, such as normalization of blood pressure and hormone levels.”

The group even has a Therapeutic In Home Placement Program where they help families choose a therapy animal that is right for them.

“With the permission of licensed social workers, psychologists, and psychotherapists, adopters can adopt these exceptional animals and utilize their love and affection to better psychological, intellectual, and or physical challenges. Adopters can request a specific type of animal and we will work with them to find the right fit,” the website details.

Rock n’ Rescue also offers a variety of Kitty Yoga Wellness classes (Mommy and Me Kitty Yoga, Teen Yoga, or just general Kitty Yoga) and Kitty Cuddle Sessions for schools and workplaces.

Both are proven to be “purrfect” ways to bring a smile to peoples’ faces and destress.

Scova shared, “When individuals experience the positive emotions brought on by an interaction with an animal, anxiety subsequently decreases, moods lift, and defense mechanisms are lowered. What we are doing is creating the atmosphere where this healing can take place for a multitude of people. And we have been told that our program is the highlight of some participants’ week!”

Rock n’ Rescue is also currently creating two more therapy programs called the “Read to Kitty Educational Program” and “Corporate Kitty Wellness Centers.”

Arthur And Pip

Scova said Rock n’ Rescue does more animal adoptions than any other rescue in Westchester or Fairfield counties.

“Over the course of the last two years, we have done 1,593 adoptions to people in Connecticut, with half of that coming from Fairfield County,” Scova reported.

Newtown resident Elissa Altman and her wife, Susan Turner, are among the organization’s many adopters. They first learned about the organization when they were looking to rescue a cat.

“I had been searching on PetFinder and found that some kittens had just made their way from Kentucky to North Salem, where Rock n’ Rescue is located. We filled out an application and went to visit them (this is before COVID) on a Saturday afternoon,” Altman recalled.

While they were there, they had the opportunity to speak with Rock n’ Rescue Founder/Director Juli Cialone and, serendipitously, a kitten decided to make his presence known during the conversation.

“I didn’t realize that I was standing with my back up against one of the cages; I literally got a tap on the shoulder from a black kitten, asked to meet him, and it was instant love. He came home with us that day,” Altman said.

The kitten, whose name is now Arthur, now weighs as much as a small Volkswagen, Altman mentioned in jest.

“He is incredibly loving and kind. We call him Buddhacat,” she said.

She and Turner would expand their family again thanks to Rock n’ Rescue with the addition of another rescue cat.

Altman explained, “In June of 2020, right after my mom left after spending three months with us during COVID, we rescued a tiny kitten, Pip, who is hilarious, smart, and is now acting like a teenager. We thank goodness that he doesn’t have thumbs.”

She emphasized that both times she adopted through the organization were incredibly positive at every point in the process.

“The rescuing experience on both accounts was seamless, wonderful, respectful, and responsible,” Altman said. “When we decided on Pip, he was having some eating issues and was dropping weight. The rescue would not release him to us until he started eating, and his health was deemed to be perfect. Not a lot of rescues do that. I’m grateful for them and their candor.”

She added that what sets Rock n’ Rescue apart from other organization is “that they operate from a place of great caution and responsibility; they want everyone to be happy and safe — rescuers and animals alike. It’s very complicated work, and I would rescue again from them in a minute. They’re terrific.”

Altman says that she hopes to volunteer with the group soon and hopefully take part in one of their therapy programs.

“Rock n’ Rescue is a truly wonderful group. I cannot say enough good things about them,” she said.

Rock n’ Rescue welcomes the Newtown community to volunteer (all ages are eligible), adopt, foster, or take part in the therapy programs.

Also, in addition to being able to donate online, people can make a check payable to Rock n’ Rescue and mail to: Rock n’ Rescue, PO Box 86, South Salem NY 10590.

Those interested in learning more about Rock n’ Rescue, can visit rnrpets.org or e-mail rocknrescue1@gmail.com.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.