Thunder and Bolt (born March 2, 2017) [1] are a pair of miniature pigs certified by the American Mini Pig Association as therapy animals [2] [3] owned and trained by then 10-year-old Claire Barrow. [4]
Thunder and Bolt made their therapy animal debut at Tampa General Hospital [5] [6] when they were 10 months old, [7] where they celebrated their first birthday with patients from adult rehabilitation and children's medical center patients. [8] Thunder and Bolt are the first therapy pigs at the hospital, where Claire is also their first youth volunteer. [3]
The pigs, now 7 years old and approximately 75 lbs, are taken to various local nursing homes and hospitals to perform their therapy duties. They also made an appearance during a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. [9]
The pigs have their own website and social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and YouTube channel, and have aired on WTSP 10's Great Day Tampa [10] and Q105 [11] and featured on People. [12]
Thunder and Bolt (born March 2, 2017) [1] are a pair of miniature pigs certified by the American Mini Pig Association as therapy animals [2] [3] owned and trained by then 10-year-old Claire Barrow. [4]
Thunder and Bolt made their therapy animal debut at Tampa General Hospital [5] [6] when they were 10 months old, [7] where they celebrated their first birthday with patients from adult rehabilitation and children's medical center patients. [8] Thunder and Bolt are the first therapy pigs at the hospital, where Claire is also their first youth volunteer. [3]
The pigs, now 7 years old and approximately 75 lbs, are taken to various local nursing homes and hospitals to perform their therapy duties. They also made an appearance during a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. [9]
The pigs have their own website and social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and YouTube channel, and have aired on WTSP 10's Great Day Tampa [10] and Q105 [11] and featured on People. [12]