Volunteer therapy teams honored

Pet Partners national human-animal therapy organization will celebrate its 11,000 volunteer therapy animal teams with Treats & Sweets Day, a national fundraiser that coincides with the first annual National Therapy Animal Day, May 18.  Across the nation, bakers will whip up treats for people and pets to raise funds for their therapy programs. 

Therapy teams are becoming increasingly popular with hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, veterans and others.  In Portland, Jo Rockower saw therapy dog potential in her adopted Goldendoodle, Max.  She registered with Pet Partners in 2008, and volunteered at various facilities before settling in at The Dougy Center, where Jo and Max participate in a peer support groups for children grieving the death of a sibling, and families experiencing the advancing illness of a family member.  Jo has witnessed firsthand the healing power of Max’s presence and unconditional love.

To become a baker for the Pet Partners fundraiser, visit TreatsandSweetsDay.org.  To learn how to become a volunteer animal therapy team, go to PetPartners.org/TAPInfo.