Your generosity helps thousands of animals find loving homes each year. Each pet becomes part of the family, sharing love, compassion and kisses with their people.
Some Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) alumni go on to touch even more lives through the power of therapy work.
Two years ago, Jessie was found stray in Oregon, WI. Estimated to be about a year old, she was a happy and friendly little dog. When Kay, a 10-year DCHS volunteer, met Jessie, there was an immediate connection and Kay knew that Jessie was coming home to stay. After a year of happily ever after, Kay wanted others to experience the joy that Jessie provides and she looked into becoming a therapy team.
As a team, Jessie and Kay passed their Pet Partners behavior evaluation. Jessie became a therapy dog, beginning visits to senior homes, hospitals and libraries in November 2018. After just one year as a therapy team, Jessie and Kay have already touched the lives of hundreds of people. They have participated in youth reading programs, patient visits, student visits to UW campus and more!
When visiting hospitals, patients always have a smile on their face when they see Jessie. Hospital employees and family and friends of patients all tell Kay that a dog visitor helps their loved ones get through the tough days.
During their youth reading program visits, they not only help children gain confidence reading, they also help some overcome a fear of dogs. “One little girl wouldn’t go near another reading dog,” said Kay, “However, when she saw Jessie, she asked if she could pet her and eventually had Jessie cuddling in her lap!”
Kay and Jessie are hoping to have an even bigger impact in the coming months. They will have their first visit as a Pet Pals team to the American Family Children’s Hospital in December. They will also participate in UW Madison’s Grandparents University and educational programs with the Vet School, teaching future generations about veterinary medicine.
Kay and Jessie are not the only pair of DCHS alumnus pet and owner turned therapy team. Nina and her cat, Tempi, recently joined Pet Partners and are excited to represent cats and rescue animals in hospitals and youth programs. Nina and Tempi can’t wait to bring happiness and kitty cuddles to others. Adopters often write to DCHS to tell us how their pets are improving the lives of so many people, through official programs like becoming a therapy pet or though simple after work cuddles.
“Jessie has brought so much joy to my life,” says Kay, "I’ve had the opportunity to do something in retirement that truly makes a difference in other people’s lives, and in the lives of children. It’s given me a wonderful purpose in life.”
Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of animals, adopters and people in our community. Thanks to your support, these animals have gone on to touch the lives of hundreds of people.
When you donate today, your gift will have DOUBLE the impact thanks to a $20,500 matching gift. Thank you for donating and making our community a better place for both people and animals.
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