Faithful Paws Pet Therapy Program was founded in June of 1997 and is sponsored by Bellarie United Methodist Church. Website: www.bellaireumc.org. Purpose: A team of organized volunteers involving the incorporation of trained animals specifically designed to administer therapy to adults/children in nursing homes or hospitals and to share the love and joy of Christ with the people we visit. Objectives: Animal assisted therapy is a scientifically proven form of therapy that is recognized as therapeutic and recreational. *By stroking an animal, the patient's blood pressure and heart rates are reduced. *Animals give unconditional love. *Planned animal visits give patients something to look forward to. *Animals with tricks are a form of entertainment. Implementation: *Dogs must pass the Canine Good Citizenship Test or a temperament test to be certified. Cats, rabbits and birds must pass a temperament test to be certified. *Volunteers consist of small teams that make scheduled visits to designated facilities. Sponsor: Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Boulevard, Bellaire, TX 77401, Connie Richards organized and maintains the Therapy Group and may also be contacted directly at connierichards1@comcast.net
Photo is of Team Captain Susan Papa (far right)with volunteers visiting at Clarewood House.