Volunteers and their dogs visit elderly, infirm and disabled adults in Boston and Brookline nursing homes so everyone can share the joy of pets.
%newline%
%newline%Fill out an application online: http://www.matchelder.org/support/petpals_app.php
For more information:
Name: Ellen Kirchheimer Position: PetPals Program Coordinator Email: ekirchheimer@Matchelder.org Phone: 617-482-1510 Fax: 617-482-1461
Bring your Pet to Visit EldersWednesday, October 08, 2008 - Wednesday, December 30, 2009Volunteer with the PetPals program and bring your pet to visit elders and adults with disabilities in Boston and Brookline nursing homes once a week. The wagging tails and curious noses of the dogs and the purring of the cats bring smiles and laughter to the faces of nursing home residents, many of whom are isolated, lonely, and depressed.
MATCH-UP recruits, interviews, and carefully screens volunteers and their pets before they can participate in PetPals. A veterinary behaviorist at the ARL reviews each pet's medical history and screens the pet for temperament, behavior, and reactions to potential stressors. MATCH-UP then trains owners and pets to safely interact with the nursing home residents. Follow-up occurs after visits to ensure that residents, volunteers, and the animals each are benefiting from the program.