PAWS

"Pets Are Wonderful Support" (PAWS) is an informal Pet Visitation Program to nursing homes, retirement centers, children's programs, and other facilities. It is sponsored and supported by the Prattville/Autauga Humane Society.

The purpose of PAWS is to bring smiles and laughter to everyday routine, promote physical and emotional well-being, encourage communication, and satisfy the basic human need to physically touch and be touched.

Pets can make us healthier, happier, live longer, and recover more quickly from illness. They can lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, and increase self-esteem.

Pets give unconditional love and acceptance, comfort and cheer, break through barriers that people cannot, and provide motivation, activity, organization, and purpose to the lives of those who love them.

Membership in PAWS is open to anyone, with or without a personal pet. Pets do not have to be registered or obedience schooled, but they must be healthy, up-to-date on shots, well groomed, affectionate, able to get along well with other pets and all people, and controlled by the handler. Pets may include dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, potbellied pigs, and miniature horses, as long as they meet health and temperament standards.

Routine visits are the first and third Saturdays of each month. We also visist elementary school programs and other special events throughout the year.

The program enables participants to experience the positive results of the age-old bond between people and pets and the reward of the excitement and love generated in the lives of those who visit and those who are visited.

If you are interested in volunteering for this program, call Lee Ann Doan at 358-3946 or Pam Bryant at 334-361-0803.