BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – A nonprofit organization primarily serving Baton Rouge is providing pet therapy to local schools, libraries and retirement communities.
Bayou Buddies Pet Therapy, officially known as LCCOC Pet Therapy, began in 1984 and is now comprised of volunteer dogs and their owners. Bayou Buddies has 25 animals. Breeds include Border Collies, St. Bernards, Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Standard Poodles.
The program's mission is to “brighten someone's day through human-animal experiences,” said Bayou Buddies Coordinator Maribeth Anderek.
“We are recognized by the American Kennel Club, or AKC Pet Therapy Program, as part of the Louisiana Capital Obedience Club,” she said.
“Their dog is not an emotional support dog, it's not a service animal,” Anderek said.
Dogs and their owners must complete an AKC Canine Good Citizen class and be evaluated by Andereck in order to participate in Bayou Buddies Pet Therapy.
Bayou Buddies coordinators said they consider the following traits and skills when evaluating dogs and their owners:
- Accept friendly strangers.
- Sit politely and pet it.
- Appearance and grooming.
- Walk on a loose leash.
- I'm walking through the crowd.
- Follow commands to sit, get down, and stay where you are.
- I'll come when called.
- Reactions to other dogs and distractions.
- How they handle breakups.
When it comes to which pets perform better in therapy situations, Anderek says temperament is important. Animals “need to be well-behaved, follow their owners' commands, and be comfortable around other dogs and people of all ages,” she continued.
The goal is not only to share dogs with the community, but also to build relationships between volunteers and the organizations they work with. Overall, it increases awareness and education about the benefits of pet therapy.
Bayou Buddies Pet Therapy also serves the community in a variety of ways, including promoting literacy through school visits and reducing stress for students and airport travelers, Anderek said. Ta.
They will visit the Episcopal Elementary School Library and St. Joseph Academy. Anderek also said they “participate in events attended by children of veterans, military and deployed military parents each year at VA facilities, summer camps and senior care communities for veterans.” I'm doing it,” he said.
If you are interested in having a Bayou Buddies Pet Therapy dog visit your facility, please contact Andereck at bayoubuddiespettherapy@gmail.com.
