Pets provide different things for different people. For some it’s companionship, for others it’s comfort, and some pets provide all of above in the form of therapy.
That’s the mission of Paws for People. It’s a non-profit organization that allows pet owners to use their four-legged friends to lovingly provide elders, children and folks with disabilities, individualized, therapeutic visits.
Associate Director Stephanie Barry says the organization recruits, certifies, and trains people and their well-behaved animals to become visitation animals or therapy animals at partnering sites.
Manor House, in Seaford, Del., which is a continuous care retirement community, is one of those partner house. That’s where you’ll find volunteer Susan Potts and her yellow lab, Lily.
Potts says Lily knows what her job is, and is ready to get to work when the green bandanna and green leash comes out.
Barry cautions that not all animals qualify.
“There are lots of wonderful animals out there,” said Barry. “Not all are suited for therapy work.”
That’s why Paws for People thoroughly assesses the animals and put them, and their owners, through a mandatory training program.
