Lend A Heart, Lend A Hand Animal-Assisted Therapy was founded in 1987 through the involvement and dedication of local dog club members. It provided the Sacramento area with animal-assisted teams to be used in therapeutic settings. Today, we continue to provide the benefits of animal-assisted therapy through ongoing programs in a wide range of facilities and settings. Assisted living facilities, libraries, and VA Medical Center make up the core of our programs and have been supported by Le
nd A Heart since its beginning. We have added adult programs and reading programs at schools. Within the last five years, we've branched out to include Sacramento International Airport (BARC), Sacramento County Courthouse (Family Relations), and de-stressing events at schools and colleges. In a given normal year (i.e. 2019, with 95 volunteers), we maintained agreements with 41 facilities for regularly monthly scheduled therapy visits, 66 mostly school de-stressing events, 199 BARC visits, and 53 Sacramento Courthouse visits. Our programs connect with people of all ages with the support of our volunteers and the unconditional love of our therapy pets.
Lend A Heart continues to move forward from COVID with more park role-plays (originally to re-socialize its pups after COVID). But the role-plays have become a component of orientation for potential new members with pups, kitties, or bunnies. Starting in April, 2021, LAH has offered 15 Park role-plays in the region. Since July, 2021, we have managed to once again make an impact at Sacramento International Airport (BARC) with currently 27 teams - you will see us every Wednesday and two Fridays each month in Terminal B. And, we are there two Sundays each month in Terminal A. We are also working on increasing our regular facility monthly visits - currently at 7 Sr Living facilities, 3 libraries, and VA Hospital. Not to mention, that we have been very active at schools (elementary t
hrough college), UCD Med Center/Mind Institute, and many others. Interacting with our teams brings smiles, belly rubs & hugs to our pups, and conversation. With 62 active teams over the last couple of years and more to come, Lend A Heart is bringing back its visits a few at a time! In 2021, our volunteers completed a total of 975 hours. In 2022, our volunteers remain dedicated and have nearly doubled our total hours to 1802 hrs by participating in 267 visits/events for the year. What about recruiting?
As we have gained access to indoor facilities, LAH has held two evaluations in 2021 (9 teams), two evaluations in 2022 (8 teams), and January evaluation in 2023 (with 7 teams).
Lend A Heart continues to to make a significant comeback with 2346 total hours by volunteers for 2023 into 2024, 4 evaluations, and bringing back our Courthouse visits this spring. Things are definitely looking up!