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Coulee Region Humane Society 911 Critter Court Phone 608-781-4014 Onalaska, WI 54650 Fax 608-781-1646 |
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Pet Therapy Program
"You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." Sam Rutigliano
The primary objective of this program is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing Therapy Dogs with residents of the Coulee Region. We visit long-term care facilities, group homes, elder daycares, Franciscan Skemp, Gundersen Lutheran Pediatric, Psychiatric, Oncology and Rehabilitation units, and are on call for their hospice program. Our "Ambassadors of Love" are invited to many Community events and fundraisers and our READing teams can be found in our local and surrounding schools, assisting with reading skills and times of transition for our area children. The Coulee Region Humane Society Pet Therapy Program began in 1985 with the arrival of our beloved "Dr. Fred". This stray yellow lab became its foundation, heart and soul. During 2007, this program touched 32,547 people through 1,245 visits at 47 different facilities like Gundersen Lutheran, Franciscan Skemp, Hillview Health Center, Meadow Wood, Onalaska Care Center, and Mulder Health Care; 30,779 people through community events such as the La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Steppin’ Out Walk (for Breast Cancer), Relay for Life, Salvation Army bell ringing, Special Day for Special People, and study breaks and fairs at local universities; and 3,715 people through 177 visits with children via our Reading program. Again, this outreach was accomplished by just under 70 pet therapy teams! These teams visited with over 60,000 people, literally bringing smiles, friendship, laughter, dog kisses, and companionship. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers, Dr. Fred's legacy continues! The mission of the Pet Therapy Program began with our dear "Dr. Fred"
Teach humanity Give a nudge and comforting paw Bring peace Break through the loneliness Let miracles of love and trust unfold Be a companion on the road to recovery
TRAINING Our Therapy Dogs are family pets with distinct personalities who have unconditional love to share. Many of them were adopted from our shelter. All of the dogs must pass a basic dog obedience class and the Canine Good Citizen test. Two important factors in being a good Therapy Dog is being neutral around other dogs and seeking out people. Our wonderful volunteers and these dogs add a sense of home and brighten the rooms and hallways of many area facilities. Faces soften and hands reach out to pet or gather in the warmth of a furry body, bringing cherished memories of past beloved pets. Therapy dogs give love and affection regardless of how a person might look or feel.
Link to Pet Therapy Myspace page
Date Last Modified: 06/11/2008
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