Program provides pet therapy to seniors in East Contra Costa County.

Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is expanding their therapy animal program into Antioch, Pittsburg, and Brentwood. To accommodate this expansion, they are seeking volunteers who want to brighten the life of a senior.

ARF’s Pet Hug Pack teams visit hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools and adult day care facilities throughout Contra Costa County. Pack pets are tested to ensure they are well-mannered, healthy and possess good temperament. The teams provide unconditional love to the people they visit. There are proven health benefits to animal interaction which recipients enjoy by petting or holding an animal team member

ARF had been involved with animal assisted activities for several years prior to launching the visiting animal program in August 2002. As of April, 2012, 135 Pet HugPack volunteers and their qualified pets make over 280 visits per month to more than 70 facilities throughout Contra Costa County.

“Volunteers who are willing to give their time and energy to this important cause are making a commitment to show how invaluable it is to promote good will towards our senior population,” stated Dina Osakue, Community Relations Director of The Commons. “Participating in this event is one of many ways to touch the heart of a senior in our community.”

A volunteer drive will take place on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at The Commons at Dallas Ranch, 4751 Dallas Ranch Road, Antioch from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.. Volunteers are invited to attend to obtain information and join ARF in support of the Pet Hug Pack Program. Light refreshments will be served.

To obtain additional information regarding this event or to RSVP, please contact Dina Osakue at (925) 754-7772 or dosakue@commonsatdallasranch.com.

If you would like more information about the Pet Hug Pack Program, contact Pat Mills at pmills@arf.net or go to http://www.arf.net.

For more information on The Commons, visit www.commonastdallasranch.com.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 11:29 am and is filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.