Article by Fairfax Pets on Wheels
(Posted 2022 June)
Since 1987, all-volunteer Fairfax Pets on Wheels (FPOW) has been licking loneliness by providing companionship and improved quality of life to residents of Fairfax area nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult day health care centers. Sponsored by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and approved by the American Kennel Club as an AKC-recognized therapy dog group, FPOW’s trained people/pet teams share the power of the human-animal bond through thousands of hours of pet therapy visits every year.
Pet visitation is proven to have a calming effect. Regular visits by volunteer/pet teams help reduce anxiety, relieve depression, lower blood pressure, encourage communication, and increase socialization. What’s more, touching animals helps chase away loneliness, depression, and withdrawal and encourages a meaningful connection to happier times.
Do You Have a Pet That Makes People Smile?
FPOW volunteers and their pet partners make a difference every day by sharing the unconditional love of a pet to help improve someone’s life. In return, human volunteers get to spend more time with their pets and make new friends.
If you have a lovable dog, cat or bunny that would enjoy putting a smile on someone’s face, become a FPOW volunteer and share the power of the human-animal bond. You’ll touch someone’s life AND change your own!
To learn more about how to become a FPOW volunteer, visit fpow.org or call FPOW at 703-324-5424.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).