"It was the day Eve was born," says Gull. "Everyone was very excited to see her. She's a lovely little thing. Life would be very dull if Eve wasn't around, especially for me."

Eve, a 4-year-old cat, acts as a loving companion for the seniors at Sunny View Retirement Community, a multilevel care facility located at 22445 Cupertino Road.

"Eve's one of the family here," says Ethel Murray, who is permanently paralyzed following a stroke years ago. "She comes to visit me every now and then, and I really enjoy her company. Having her around makes me feel like I'm living in my own home. I would hate to get along without her."

A homey environment is exactly what Sunny View staff members strive to create for all residents living there. As a matter of fact, Eve is part of an innovative plan to provide residents in retirement homes and nursing facilities with emotional and psychological support.

The plan is called the Eden Alternative and it was adopted by Sunny View in 1997. The idea behind the Eden Alternative is that pets, gardens, music and children can help to eliminate feelings of loneliness, helplessness and boredom in residents of long-term care facilities.

"Traditionally nursing homes are very clinical, and it can just seem depressing," explains Judy Jackson, director of marketing at Sunny View. "Our goal is to create a nursing community where people can live and enjoy life to the fullest."

Numerous studies on the effects of pets on nursing home residents show that those who were exposed to pets consistently smiled more and became measurably more alert than those who did not encounter animals. According to the Pet Information Bureau, an information center in Washington, D.C., animal companionship can dramatically improve the quality of life and may even have a positive impact on longevity.

Although she carries huge responsibilities on her shoulders, Eve has many helpers in serving Sunny View's 300 human friends.

In addition to Eve, residents enjoy the birds and the fish housed near various sitting areas in the different buildings. Planter boxes are available for residents to plant and care for their favorite flowers. These plants decorate the 12-acre Sunny View property throughout the year. Furthermore, visits from children of all ages bring smiles to residents as they engage in activities and conversation with the younger generation. Young people from local schools and community service agencies regularly pay visits to Sunny View.

Gull, who participates in various activities such as caring for Eve and planting flowers, enjoys the active lifestyle supported by the principals of the Eden Alternative.

"I think these activities have made life more enjoyable for everyone here. They make up a big part of our life," says Gull, who has lived at Sunny View for 18 years.

So on Eve's fourth birthday on March 27, Gull and many residents and staff members showed their appreciation by organizing a special birthday party for their friend.

While Eve enjoyed a special treat of catnip, her human friends played games and enjoyed food and music.

"It is a special day. We all got together to thank our little friend. She's a wonderful creature, and it's wonderful to have her around," Gull says.