Sheila , Linda and Max during one of his visits

The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that positively influences the health and well-being of both. While many of us intuitively understand the benefits of positive interactions with animals in our lives, an emerging body of research is recognizing the impact the human-animal bond can have on individual and community health.  Whether it is pet ownership that gives us cause to exercise, offers an antidote for loneliness and gives us loving companions to care for, or animal-assisted interventions that improve motivation to participate in treatment and lessen worry, anxiety and pain, we recognize that animals can influence not just our happiness but also our health.(www.petpartners.com)

At Day Away, participants enjoy socializing with new friends, light exercise, crafts, games, visits from local musicians, and therapy dogs.  On any given Thursday Max and his handler Karen Downing come to Day Away and participants look forward to his visits.  Many of the participants have dogs of their own, or have had dogs in the past so visits from Max makes their day even more enjoyable and Max loves coming!  Thank you Max for making us smile!