A tale of two tigers
A member of the Wellspring Community program snuggling her two new companions, Snowball and Tony.
It all started with a phone call to The Castle Pines Connection from neighbor Kerrie Endorf, who was looking for a place to donate two very special tigers that belonged to her son, Tristan. Now grown, Tristan was eager to have his childhood companions go to a great home, preferably one with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities – given that he has struggled with autism.
With the help of Jack Yi at Castle Pines Cleaners, the two tigers were cleaned and in tip-top shape for their delivery to their new home, the sensory room at Wellspring Community.
“The tigers, which we have named Tony and Snowball, have become a meaningful part of our sensory room,” shared Wellspring Community Communications Coordinator Liz Kutt. “We’re incredibly grateful for this thoughtful gift and the comfort the tigers bring to members of our program every day.
The Endorf family also expressed gratitude for the placement. “I can’t thank you enough for your help, as this was very important to my son and our family that these animals go to a loving home,” stated Kerrie. “My daughter has worked with autistic kids since she was 17, so she is also happy they went to Wellspring.”
A participant in the Wellspring program said she was very excited to be featured with the tigers and said, “I love Tony and Snowball; I try to cuddle with them every day.”
Kerrie and Tristan (25) Endorf receiving the news that the tigers had a new home.
Castle Pines Cleaners owner, Jack Yi, taking in the two tigers to clean them for their new home in Wellspring Community’s sensory room.
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Wellspring and Kerrie Endorf
