Get Out and Give: Lara Spencer Takes Kids on Pet Therapy Volunteer Visit
Pet therapy is a good way to get involved in your community.
— -- Being involved in a local pet therapy program is a simple and effective way to get involved with helping others in your community. The only requirements are a willingness to meet new people – and having a dog or cat.
“Good Morning America”’s Lara Spencer tried it out last week with her 10-year-old daughter, Kate, the girl’s 10-year-old friend, Maddie, and two of Spencer’s dogs, Coco and Dandy.
The entire group went to The Nathaniel Witherell, a nursing care facility in Greenwich, Connecticut, where Coco and Dandy interacted with the residents.
Sally Van Leeuwen, the care facility's volunteer coordinator, told Spencer it’s hard for the home’s senior citizen residents to be there, especially since some have had to give up beloved pets.
“A lot of people had to leave their dogs to come here but between young people and dogs it’s win-win,” she said, referring to the benefits of pet therapy on the home's residents.
Just petting a dog, cat or other pet releases oxytocin, the so-called feel-good hormone that helps reduce loneliness and depression. Studies have shown that spending time with pets can also have a positive effect on vital signs by lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
Volunteer Kianna Gallagher, 14, sees the way the residents’ eyes light up during pet therapy.
“They were once like us. They took care of us, like you take care of your daughter, so now it's time to give back to them,” Kianna said of her involvement in the program.
This story was featured on "Good Morning America" during Disney-ABC’s “Summer of Creativity” campaign, which encourages youth to harness the power of creativity and service to change the world. Disney-ABC will award $500 Summer of Creativity Grants to young leaders who are taking action and caring for the world we share. Youth, ages 5-18, are encouraged to apply before August 10. Hundreds of grants are being awarded. Learn more at ABC.com/BeInspired.
Related Stories
ABC News Live