Delta Society
Pets + Patients = Rx for Health

Imagine that you are in a hospital or nursing home. Wouldn't a therapy session seem less like work - and wouldn't you be more motivated - if your gentle animal partner were there to offer help? Tammy Renaud of Hope Therapy thinks so, sharing that "children in burn units have it hard.... Bringing an animal into the hospital like this makes them almost feel like they are home with their own pets, and that is very important to them." This is what animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is all about - and it is effective and safe thanks to Delta Society and our AAT Services.

Or imagine that you develop a chronic illness, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, in which you experience loss of muscle control, limited vision and general weakness. If there were a tool that would help you at home - help you to pick up items you have dropped, find your way when you can't see, and steady you when you lose your balance - wouldn't you want to use it? Long-term assistants provide their partners with these services.

Unfortunately, thousands of people with illnesses or disabilities are not given the option to choose these cost-effective tools that could greatly improve the quality of the lives, due to lack of knowledge within the health care system about the beneficial role that animals can play in rehabilitation programs (animal-assisted therapy) and as long-term assistants (service dogs). Health care providers often fail to suggest these tools - either because they don't know of their existence or they don't know how to use them.

Delta Society was founded in 1977 to promote mutually beneficial relationships between animals and people. Delta Society continues this pioneering tradition through its Animal-Assisted Therapy, Pet Partners and National Service Dog Center programs.

In 1998, more than 3,000 Delta Pet Partners teams logged over 600,000 volunteer hours. Volunteers and their pets boost the happiness of patients, mostly children and seniors, with visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Delta's AAT Services worked with several healthcare facilities to develop and implement standards-based visiting animal programs. They also trained healthcare professionals in techniques of working with patients so that animals help in treatment. The National Service Dog Center helped over 34,000 people and trained businesses such as Blockbuster, Amtrak, and the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission on how to welcome people with service animals.

Responding to a Crisis
As the nation's televisions tune in to various crises across the country, such as the recent school shootings, Pet Partners are often called in to help people deal with these situations. The teams bring comfort and a feeling of safety - as Cindy did with her teammate, Bear, immediately after the much publicized Springfield High School shooting in Oregon. Pet Partners help people deal with their emotions following traumatic events.

Service Animals and Your Legal Rights
Present laws are tested and new legislation is being developed as animals play a greater role in everyone's lives, especially people who are disabled. Donna, who worked with Delta to help remove the barriers in her workplace, says, "they simply did not know that dogs could be trained for any work besides guide work . . . they were so impressed with the quality of information they received [from Delta Society] and the[ir] professionalism. Educating these places is the only way for us to be truly independent. Otherwise, we're back locked up in our houses." Now a trained Delta Service Animal Access Specialist, Donna educates the public and businesses on service animal issues.

Day-to-Day Assets
Jeanne was diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition that, compounded with arthritis, had greatly impaired her mobility. Since Jeanne was eventually no longer able to do even simple activities by herself, she made the decision to get a service dog to help her. Jeanne was lucky enough to come across a specially trained dog, Greko, who became a true partner to Jeanne by retrieving her mail, helping her get in and out of her car and bed, helping with laundry, and most importantly, opening doors. Even more essential to Jeanne's emotional health, Greko has helped Jeanne realize she is able to get through the day with dignity and self-esteem. Jeanne credits Greko for her continued independence and confidence. Jeanne and Greko were recipients of Delta Society's Beyond Limits� Award in 1998.

Why should you become a Delta member?
Because you care about the important roles animals have in our lives. Please join today!
To become a member ($35) or to learn more about Delta, please call 1-800-869-6898 for a free catalog or visit our website at www.deltasociety.org.

Delta Society is a national non-profit organization based in Renton, WA and is funded through donations from individuals, foundations and corporations. Thank you!