SENIORS AND PETS: A Perfect Combination The Toledo Area Humane Society prides itself on being involved in the community. One way TAHS impacts the lives of both animals and people is our volunteer-driven Pet Visitation Program. As part of our community outreach effort, Toledo Area Humane Society volunteers take shelter animals to about 10 area nursing homes, or adult daycare facilities. The program has proven to be beneficial and gratifying in many ways.
	Pet visitation gives our community's seniors an opportunity to spend time interacting with animals. For many, this is their only contact with animals due to their current living situation. Studies have shown that owning a pet improves the quality of life for seniors, and supporting statistics show that people who own pets tend to live longer. When owning a pet is not possible, pet visitation can be the next best thing. Memories are often prompted for the seniors when we visit with a pet. Our volunteers frequently hear stories from the residents about their pets from days gone by. Most volunteers find the greatest reward to be the smiles that abound when they enter the facility with a cute puppy, kitten, or playful pooch looking for attention. It is truly an uplifting experience to watch a face light up when an animal is placed in someone's lap. "We haven't seen her smile like that in weeks" or "He's been so sick lately—thanks for cheering him up" is just a sample of the comments received that makes it all worthwhile.
The program gives shelter animals the opportunity to get out of the kennel or cage, as well, which is clearly good for their emotional well-being during their stay at our shelter. The socialization is also beneficial for the animals, making them more adoptable and improving their chances for a quicker placement. "Visiting Pet Programs help clients physically and mentally, there's no doubt about that," says Valerie Rufo, Asst. Vice President of Crawford Geriatric. "It can reduce the amount of medication people need. They aren't as anxious or agitated, and they comply more with physical activities. For information on volunteer opportunities, please call Mary Moser at (419) 891-1561.