Boston, MA – April 17, 2012-- In celebration of the human animal bond FriendshipWorks will hold its first Paws, Pearls, and Pals, pet fashion show benefit. The event will be held on June 20, 2012 at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation, 154 Moody St, Waltham from 5:30pm - 8:00pm. Featuring a pet fashion show, an innovative speaker on the science of the human animal bond, as well as a silent auction.
Animals have a special ability to break through loneliness, regardless of age, language, and cognitive ability. For older adults, an animal’s companionship may be the source of social support that enhances their well-being. The Paws, Pearls, and Pals event will celebrate how friends come in all shapes, sizes — even species.
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One of our volunteers, Lisa, says of her and her dog Shiner’s experience with PetPals: “Shiner loves being a volunteer--it's as fun for him as it is for the residents. The best is when there is a new resident who hasn't met Shiner before…There have been whoops of joy audible throughout the nursing home! I've heard non-verbal residents became verbal and watched people wheel themselves across the room… it clearly improves the quality of life of the residents.”
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FriendshipWorks was founded in 1984 serving older adults with friendship and care throughout a network of trained volunteers. One of the greatest challenges that elders and older adults with disabilities face is isolation.
Each year, FriendshipWorks matches 200+ volunteers with over 1,300 isolated elders year round, providing friendly visits, support getting to medical appointments, and pet visitation. Last year, 600 nursing home residents received weekly visits from FriendshipWorks human-pet volunteer teams.
