ANGEL Program
(Animals Need to Give Everyone Love)

Jane Balmer continued to help our elders with this terrific program. She took animals from our shelter to visit seniors at Bortz, Boulder Park Terrace, Emmet County Care Facility (Bay Bluffs), Independence Village, and the Living Room senior care facilities. This grant by the Tribal Gaming Revenue Board expanded the benefits of pet therapy to the elderly who live in convalescent homes.

Depression is a huge issue and it has been proven that animals can help reduce depression and stress, brighten attitudes, increase life span, and help stimulate mental activity. The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society takes care of 40-50 animals everyday of the week and sees first-hand the benefits animals can have on people's lives.

For the past two years we have taken animals to the Emmet County Care Facility to interact with the residents whether it be by petting them, giving them treats or just talking to them. The health care workers have seen a marked improvement in their patients' alertness and attitudes following the animals visits.

We have surveyed the health care workers and pet therapy liaison regarding the attitudes of the residents after our visits and these surveys have revealed the depth of the program's success. The nurses, aids, activity directors, and administrators praise the benefits residents receive from the unconditional love of the animals. They tell us that the visits bring smiles, laughter, sensory stimulation, respite from pain, and a break from the normal daily routine. This helps the residents to remain lively and engaged.