In October, Steve Courts with A Little Help non-profit organization presented their monthly program on pets. Four panelists included Dr. Taylor Griffin, National Director for Pet Partners; Kate Elisha, Associate Director of Adoptions for Pawsco; Eileen Lambert, Director for Colorado Pet Pantry; & Leigh Ann Gerk, a pet loss, and grief counselor.
Pets Are Great Companions
Taylor has a PhD in research psychology. Her Pets Partner organization is 40 years old and is the largest animal therapy organization in the U.S. They do animal intervention, therapy, education, and activities to help older adults with pets. Studies indicate 1) older adults with pets have lower blood pressure, 2) cat owners have lower risk of heart attacks, and 3) pet owners walking dogs have lower obesity rates.
Kate does animal rescue and adoptions for all ages. Her goal is to match rescued pets with needy families and outreach for advocation for pets. She stressed their benefits are health related, companionship, volunteering as a foster parent, and help walk pets via A Little Help. Saving a pet by fostering or adoption is a blessing to the community
Eileen’s food pantry service for pets is similar to many Food Banks for people in the U.S. They usually work with many Food Banks in helping families who cannot afford to feed their pets. She emphasized that 75% of Coloradoans own pets and help provide 50% of their pet food needs every other month to needy pet owners. Besides taking food donations by other pet owners and pet stores, they also take in collars and leashes. They have pet food pantries in Greeley, Loveland, and Red Feather Lakes.
Leigh Ann indicated pet loss grief is very common with all pet owners! Pet loss can be very traumatic to pet owners, so she can help pet owners with her counseling services at 970-966-4585. Thanks to A Little Help for providing the educational webinar!