Panel data provided by Madison's Canadian Lumber Reporter.

Pets Are Therapeutic

By 250 News

-by Kathi Travers


It’s no surprise that it has been medically proven that pets do contribute to the well being of humans. The Delta Society is an organization committed to the human/ animal bond. Established in 1977 by veterinary and human health professionals from academic facilities. Through this organization, scientific data was collected to support how animals change everyday life for humans. Petting a pet actually lowers blood pressure. Delta’s research also proved that pets can have a positive impact on the elderly, ill and disabled.

Brenda Colebrook had a vision. She told her husband 22 years ago that she wanted to start something that was very dear to her heart. Brenda who professionally is a registered nurse was cognizant to the need for the special human/ animal bond. The need for people to be in the presence of animals. She did all the research and enlisted the support of her husband , John. Brenda's dream of ‘Best Friends Pet Visitation Society" was suddenly a reality. The non- profit society enables Brenda and her volunteers to go into hospitals, homes for the elderly, nursing homes, and re-habilation centers to make visits. What makes these visits so rewarding is they are done with a "best friend". Brenda visits with her chocolate lab 's Larkey and Soleil.

Piatra met Sue on one such visit. Sue shares her experience " I instantly fell in love with this special dog. I am still moved to tears 2 1/2 years later when I look at the picture and think of how she made me feel for the brief time we spent together. Finally another being that did not judge me or feel sorry for me because I was sick. There were these warm eyes that just seen me...just me, not the lady with cancer. She seemed so happy just to be with me, beside me. I cannot tell you how much the mere presence of those dogs helped to heal me emotionally. Those feelings were so powerful I had to get a dog of my own.". 


Piatra is shown in this photo,  but sadly, Piatra has passed on.

In order to qualify to be a pet therapy dog. The prospective pooch is temperament tested after the owner has passed the initial pre screen interview. The pooch must be obedient and adhere to basic commands. A friendly, outgoing personality is also required by both the human and dog . The dog must have currant up to date inoculations including rabies and administered by a licensed veterinarian . The percentage of pets that qualify is approximately 75%. Once passed you are required to donate a minimum of one hour per month to "Best Friends". Orientation involves a teaching the volunteers in the ins and outs of pet visits and how to interact. When this is completed your pooch is presented with a bandana signifying passing all the criteria requirements involved. Then the visits begin. Can you imagine bringing such joy and pleasure to someone’s life?

As Brenda sums it up ‘this is a natural catalyst for social interaction" which means that a dog is the ice breaker for communications no matter what mood you are in or what your personality traits are. The demand is greater than the supply.

If you are interested in this program please send your interest to Opinion250 and it will be forwarded to Brenda Colebrook.

Previous Story - Next Story



Return to Home