February 2009

View the Pet Power Video

University of Missouri Extension 4-H member Hannah Frew knows the power of pet therapy.
 
Hannah was seriously injured in an accident more than a year ago, and while she was in rehab, she made a special connection with a therapy dog. Doctors suggested the Platte City teen get a dog of her own as part of her therapy.
 
Now that she’s better, Hannah wants to give back to her community.
 
Hannah and her dog, Maddy, belong to a group called Platte Pet Power. This MU Extension program prepares volunteers with animals to visit nursing homes, hospitals and family shelters to provide pet therapy.
 
“This program is important because of the human-animal bond, the unconditional acceptance,” said Sharen Hunt, MU Extension 4-H youth specialist. “If you’ve never seen it, it’s pretty amazing. The faces light up, the hands reach out, there’s smiles.”
 
Hannah is excited and plans to visit local nursing homes once a week with Maddy.
 
“I love older people and talking to them,” she said.
 
Hannah said she also plans to work with Maddy in her 4-H dog obedience and veterinary science project groups.

http://extension.missouri.edu/platte/PetPower.shtml