Pets On Wheels

Tonight Finn and I went to a Pets On Wheels meeting. POW is an organization that certifies dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, all kinds of pets for visits in many kinds of institutional settings. I wanted to find a group where Finn and I could give back to the community in a more direct manner, and studies have shown contact with animals can have a wonderful healing and calming affect on patients.

Here is a description from their website:

Pets on Wheels is a not for profit volunteer 501c3 organization which provides friendly visits from volunteers and their pets to those requiring the support of an institutional setting.

Visits are most often to nursing homes; however, assisted living communities and facilities for the physically and mentally challenged are also recipients of our visits. Recently, veterans' hospitals, programs for the homeless, and children at risk of home out placement have also been added to our visits. Our emphasis is on residents who have been unresponsive to ongoing activities. Many of these patients have impaired cognitive abilities due to specific illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, and react to animals with more awareness than to people around them. For instance, repetitive speech behavior or annoying mannerisms may cease while a patient is petting an animal.

Pets love unconditionally, even when a person is no longer attractive, even-tempered, or agile. Their warmth makes a difference to those they visit.

Finn passed his assessment, and as soon as his health paperwork comes back from the vet, we will try our first visit.

We are quite excited, Finn loves to meet new people. (Even if he has to ride in the car to get there)