Meet Todd & Lisa who just celebrated one year together!
One of our newer pairs, Todd and Lisa, just celebrated their one year anniversary!
28 year old Todd was born with a form of Muscular Dystrophy called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. He applied to Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers looking for a monkey to not only help him out with tasks at home, but to provide companionship as well.
Todd recently told us a little bit about what the past year has been like as he and Lisa have bonded and become a team:
Q. How did you hear about Helping Hands? A. I saw an article in a magazine and I thought it looked great! I read about how they help people and since I'm home every day alone I thought it might be good for me to look into getting a monkey. Q. What was the application process like? A. I filled out a form and wrote a bit about myself. My family and I made videos explaining what we felt about getting a monkey. After interviewing with the placement staff, we took photos of what our home was like. Q. What did you think when you heard you were accepted to receive a monkey? A. I was excited, anxious, and happy! It usually takes 6-8 months but we got lucky and Lisa was ready much earlier.  Q. What do you do with her all day?
A. She's my companion first and my helper second. She likes to cuddle with me which I think is so adorable. She grooms me, picks things up for me; she can open up just about anything! We work on training during the day so she can learn how to take instructions from me and learn to do tasks that I need done. She also plays with her toys and books. She loves flipping pages in books! Q. What does she eat? A. She eats monkey chow, vegetables, fruit and a little cooked chicken (her favorite)! Q. What's her favorite toy? A. A guitar with Velcro on it and her books. She likes to chew books so we bought her children's books that don't tear. Her favorite book is called Jungle Rumble. Q. How does she relate to the rest of the family? A. Good. We all have a certain place in her hierarchy. Q. What are some things you've learned about monkeys that you didn't know? A. I learned a lot about her "language" and what certain squeaks and sounds mean.  Q. What does she mean to you emotionally?
A. Well, if she left I'd be really sad; it would be like losing a family member. The companionship and the close relationship we've developed means everything to me. I'd be very lonely without her. Q. How has your life changed since you got a monkey helper?
A. She has given me companionship and the feeling of responsibility.
Q. What is your favorite thing about Lisa?
A. When I watch a movie or TV she always cuddles in my lap and sucks her thumb. | 
Kyla is one of our sweetest little monkeys. A photo of her at our Easter party was recently featured on our 
This command is extremely important to our program for two reasons. The first has to do with safety, and the fact that a monkey will go to the cage on command should something happen in the home like a door being left open or a pill bottle spilling.
