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Lafayette and West Lafayette proclaim April 30 National Therapy Animal Day; Pet Partners honored
Summary
City officials presented a proclamation recognizing National Therapy Animal Day and members of Pet Partners of Greater Lafayette demonstrated therapy-animal teams during the meeting.
Lafayette and West Lafayette officials on Wednesday proclaimed April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day and publicly recognized Pet Partners of Greater Lafayette and local therapy-animal teams.
A representative of Pet Partners described the group's volunteer program and the range of animals the organization registers and evaluates. "Our goal is to positively improve physical and emotional and mental health through the power of the human animal bond," the Pet Partners representative said.
The proclamation was read by city officials and attributed in the transcript to Tony Roswarski, mayor of Lafayette; Aaron Easter, mayor of West Lafayette; and Tom Murtaugh, who was identified in the proclamation text as a county commissioner. The text stated that Pet Partners has designated April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day, noted research on health benefits of therapy-animal interactions, and encouraged more pet owners to consider volunteering.
Pet Partners introduced several volunteer teams and their animals at the meeting, including miniature and full-size dog teams. The nonprofit noted local volunteer sites that receive visits, such as libraries, community corrections, recovery programs, colleges, police departments and schools.
The group passed a ceremonial proclamation and the meeting included photos and a brief reception following the recognition.
The proclamation text read on the record referenced research findings about reduced stress and lowered blood pressure from interacting with therapy animals and urged citizens to celebrate therapy-animal teams and their handlers.
