Photo by Chewy on Unsplash
animal has to have an underlying drive to approach strangers . Most of the training is for those on the other end of the leash . Many people think their dog could be a therapy pet , but this is rarely the case . Socialization is a key component to enter a pet in the program . People can socialize their pet by having them interact with other people and animals , visiting pet-friendly retail outlets such as Home Depot , Petco and other stores . Bars and restaurants that allow pets are also great places to socialize your animal . Pets and their handlers go through an extensive evaluation process . The facilities that allow pet therapy rely on the organization to assure that the animals are social , stable and able to handle any situation . Most visited facilities , such as hospitals and airports , tend to be chaotic . It takes a special animal to handle these situations . After accepted , dogs then go through a series of probationary visits .
Claire now has her fifth Greyhound in the program , who coincidentally is also named Claire . Claire ’ s friend named a litter of Greyhound puppies after each of her friends , so when it was time for the Greyhound to retire from racing , Claire readily adopted her . She is a wonderful four-legged volunteer in the Visiting Pet Program .
Like many other organizations , the Visiting Pet Program suffered because of COVID-19 . They are just beginning a return to in-person visits . Additionally , the organization lost many of their volunteers because of job loss in the New Orleans area , either from relocating or because of the passing of some dogs in the program .
If you think you have a pet that fits the criteria to become part of the Visiting Pet Program , visit visitingpetprogram . org to find out the requirements for both you and your pet . You can email Claire at paws4visits @ gmail . com to receive a membership application . The public may also make monetary donations to the cause , which is greatly needed and appreciated . Many people make donations in memory of a pet who has passed , which I think is an absolutely lovely idea . Donating in honor of this worthy group is a great gift for a friend who may have recently lost a fur baby . As the program is equal opportunity , cats are also able to enter . Although rare , there is currently one furry feline in the program .
There is no denying that animals make the world a brighter place by giving their unconditional love to others . The Visiting Pet Program ’ s tag line says it all : “ Bringing Love and Leaving Smiles !”
36 Life Unleashed