Volunteers Needed For BMC Pet Therapy Program

12:00AM / Wednesday, March 07, 2007

BMC is seeking pet volunteers for a pet therapy program.

Pittsfield – Berkshire Medical Center’s certified pet therapy program, called Caring Companions, is offering a Delta Society Pet Therapy class and evaluation for those interested in having their pet become part of the program.

The next class is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Berkshire Medical Center. The cost is $40 for the class, books and evaluation. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register for the Caring Companions class, contact Terry Cormier at 447-2114, ext. 3657.

The Pet Therapy program at BMC offers patients at the Medical Center the opportunity to have visits by certified dogs and other pets, if qualified by the program. Numerous studies have shown that pets can have a therapeutic benefit, including lowering blood pressure and reducing stress.

The Delta Society is the leading international resource for the human-animal bond. Delta Society has been the force to validate the important role of animals for people's health and well being by promoting the results of research to the media and health and human services organizations. The Delta Society’s mission is improving human health through service and therapy animals.