Pet Therapy
Bideawee's Pet Therapy Program brings the love of pets to hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
Bideawee was one of the first humane organizations to establish a pet therapy program. Launched in 1982, our program has grown to include dedicated two-legged pet therapy volunteers and their 168 dogs, 8 cats, 3 rabbits and one 230 lb. black pig.
Children and adults in health care and special education facilities visited by our pet therapy pairs enjoy a positive impact on their quality of life. For some, pet therapy visits are their only contact with the outside world. The pairs often become part of the "family" and eagerly look forward to making their next visit. In turn, the patients and residents delight in the cuddles, love and friendship these visits bring. The opportunity to receive the unconditional love and acceptance of the animals provides medical and emotional benefits such as lower blood pressure, stress relief, decreased feelings of loneliness and depression, and increased responsiveness.
An anecdote from one of our many partner organizations:
On a recent visit to a nursing home, a son sat quietly with his elderly father. A Bideawee Pet Therapy volunteer brought over Goldie, a beautiful golden retriever. The dog licked the old man's face and wagged his tail wildly. The man turned to his son and said, "Dave, I've always loved golden retrievers." The son's eyes filled with tears. It seems his father was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and hadn't recognized his son nor called him by name in years.
If you are interested in becoming a pet therapy volunteer or would like to learn how your facility can receive visits from a pet therapy pair, please contact us.
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