WESTCOAST NEWS
Pets with people: a perfect remedy
Sun photographer Peter Battistoni tags along with the volunteers of BC Pets & Friends as they visit Evergreen Baptist Home.

Vancouver Sun

Monday, August 08, 2005

The almost-irresistible human instinct to reach out and touch an animal is the basis for a therapy program run by BC Pets & Friends which began life in 1982 as part of the SPCA.

Since 1986, as a separate group this non-profit organization has been providing companion animal visits to over 200 care facilities throughout the Lower Mainland.

The use of Animal Assisted Therapy is now being successfully applied in long-term health care, mental health and occupational therapy programs.

Animals, usually dogs, but also cats and birds are carefully screened for suitability by experts checking temperament and reactions.

Pets are patted and pinched, wheelchairs are rolled, canes waved and pots banged. Screeners even put their hands into mouths of dogs in a brave test of tolerance or lurch towards animals to see if a dog will protect its owner.

This all mimics situations they might encounter at a facility.

If the animal is accepted into the program owners are given an orientation class and the successful volunteers are then available to make regularly scheduled visits to hospitals and care facilities where they provide companionship, love and comfort to residents.

To donate or to volunteer you and your pet call 604-523-1557 or go to www.petsandfriends.org.
© The Vancouver Sun 2005