Pet Therapy

Coordinator:Gin Mason

God gave us pets as gifts for a reason. Hope’s Pet Therapy is a Christ-centered ministry that desires to share our pets and our love of pets with people through interactions to bring the life changing message of Jesus Christ. People and animals matter to God and to us and must be treated gently and respectfully.

Pet therapy animals are trained to be calm, gentle, and well-mannered. Most important is that therapy dogs have a calm personality and are people-oriented. The most serious disease for older people is not cancer or heart disease, but loneliness. These visits also give the residents the opportunity to reminisce about pets they once had.  Research has shown that the elderly and people in group homes have lower blood pressure, are more social, interactive after a Therapy dog has paid a visit.

Mom and I are a certified pet therapy dog team.  We area member of FM dog obedience Pet therapy group.  I am a Miniature Sheltie.  I like to greet people and cuddle with them.  I am only16lbs., and small enough that I can sit in their laps.  My hair is soft and fluffy, and kids and people love to run their fingers through it.  I was abandoned, and when I was found I had over 100 ticks on me.  So I was a Lucky Lady to get a new home.  My mom tells people that God brought me into this program because I could relate to people who have also had a tough time in life.  I think God gave me a second chance at life so I could feel loved as well as give it.

For more information contact Ann Seczko at 235-6629 x310