With the increased number of Zoom meetings on everyone’s schedules in the past few weeks, people are starting to feel the effects
Thankfully, the Humane Society of Broward County has a solution. The organization’s Animal Assisted Therapy Team is lending the joy their animals share in-person to the virtual world. For a minimum donation of $25, the team will schedule an animal to attend a virtual meetings to provide fun, laughter and much-needed therapy.
“It gives our volunteers and therapy animals a way to stay connected with our community, inspire hope and resilience while being able to bring laughter and joy to someone’s day,” says Marni Bellavia, manager
of the Animal Assisted Therapy Program.
One of the pets is Bellavia’s own therapy dog, Karma, a 9-year-old mini Australian shepherd, who volunteers at Broward Health Coral Springs’ pediatric department and emergency room. While Bellavia says Karma “misses our community and looks forward to resuming her visits very soon,” she looks forward to seeing Karma brighten people’s day on Zoom.
“The participants love the interaction and find joy in watching the pet do some tricks or just hang out for a few minutes providing some stress relief,” Bellavia says.
To schedule a Zoom meeting with a therapy dog (available to anyone in the United States), visit humanebroward.com/zoomies.
