State Farm Agencies Support Pet Assisted Therapy Project

Natural Awakenings Magazine - March 05

Local State FArm agencies are adopting Share-A-Pet, Broward County's source for pet assisted therapy (PAT), in a 2005 campaign to improve the lives of its elderly citizens.

Share-A-Pet, a non-profit organization, began in December 2003 as a volunteer group wanting to do community service by sharing the love of their animals iwth others less fortunate. The volunteers began making calls to the local nursing care facilityes and were graciously received by their first contact, a facility dedicated to severely handicapped children. It was a great success: Tenzin, the big yellow Lab, was able to get responses from some of the childern that all of the other therapies were unable to elicit. This inspired the Share-A-Pet volunteers to try PAT in other facilities as well, primarily for the elderly. Share-A-Pet found that there was indeed a great need for PAT to improve the lives of the elderly deprived of a loving home-like environment and they became an organization dedicated to this cause.

Local State Farm agencies have adopted Share-A-Pet and their campaign. With State Farm's support, Share-A-Pet will be able to expand and grow. Each State Farm agency participating will support the nursing care facilities surrounding their agency. This will allow Share-A-Pet to reach more of the elderly who are truly in need of receiving as well as giving love. State Farm is living up to their motto of being there 'like a good neighbor'.

Share-A-Pet is looking for organizations and individuals who are interested in joining in the fun. More volunteers pets and handlers are needed to help cover the added facilities. Interested participants may contact Share-A-Pet at 954-630-8763, and visit www.shareapet.org.