Monday, March 13, 2006
YOUNGSTOWN -- K-9's for Compassion will be performing evaluations Saturday and Sunday at St. Elizabeth Health Center in hopes of recruiting more human-animal handler teams.
According to the organization, these teams visit area hospitals and nursing homes and are a part of the Hubbard Library Paws to Read program. This program was devised to help children become more interested in reading by reading to the animals.
Each volunteer must pass a 19-step evaluation program that involves the animal and the handler. This evaluation includes basic obedience and aptitude tests and is open to all animals with the exception of wildlife and exotic animals. All handlers are tested according to the Delta Society standardized tests. Delta Society is a nonprofit organization that promotes animals' helping people to improve their health, independence and quality of life.
K-9's for Compassion began in the spring of 2000 and has nearly tripled in membership. The group is looking to expand because of the request for more nursing-home visits.
Anyone interested in being evaluated with his or her animal should call (330) 534-2001 and leave a message with address and phone number. Callers can receive a packet of information via mail and a return phone call to schedule an evaluation for them and their pets.