Bideawee's Pet Therapy Program

Vicki F.

Abby (my dog) really chose Bideawee. She was a stray (I actually got her from Kent Animal Shelter). She is so good with kids, pulling and tugging and mauling her for pets without a single bit of aggression that she seemed like good fit. She will pretty much immediately go over on her back and ask for a belly rub. That's why I am so psyched about the Reading to Dogs program. I had been interested in the pet therapy program for a while and I was at Bideawee with one of my cats, saw the sign and made the call to Bideawee. I work on a farm and we take farm animals out to nursing homes, etc all the time, so I have seen the power of animals and people together.

Ray G.

I chose to work with Bideawee because it offers a well-organized opportunity for my dog and me to be involved in pet therapy work. We enjoy the visits, as do the people at the facilities we visit.

Florence H.

I chose to volunteer with Bideawee in the Pet Therapy program as well as the Reading to Dogs Program because I felt the programs would attract the most attention through a well known and well thought of organization such as Bideawee. Hopefully more groups will take note of these wonderful programs and encourage more people to participate with their pets.

Alice M.

When I got my greyhound BRETT 5 years ago, he was so laid back and people friendly I asked in my group of greyhound friends how I could get him into a program to do pet therapy. I had heard of pet therapy but didn't know who to contact. It was this group of friends that said BIDEAWEE was the place to certify your dog to go into the pet therapy program. That's what I did. I have recommended pet therapy to several other dog owners and greyhound owners, and told them that they can find a place to go to and be certified through Joan at BIDEAWEE. Brett and I enjoy doing pet therapy very much and do it 3-4 times a month....We enjoy the look on people's faces when they see this beautiful dog walk up to them, and ask to be petted.

Ann R.

When I realized how much Kobbe loves to be around people, and how gentle he was with people that were older or little children, I decided to pursue Pet Therapy. I have always known what a great organization Bideawee has been, and I was sure that they would be well- known throughout the community. I also knew that if we were accepted into BAW's program, Kobbe would never be put into a situation that could possibly endanger him (or me for that matter). I just felt it would be a good fit.

Florence S.

Bideawee's extensive pet therapy program was one I wanted to be involved in. Bideawee serves as the contact for agencies requesting pet therapy and coordinates visits. It is important that there be a central "clearinghouse" for such requests so that the pet therapy team not have to be involved in scheduling. Also, Bideawee has strict regulations for pet therapy visits which takes the onus off the team. When I finally had a dog that would make a suitable therapy dog, I chose Bideawee to certify my dog and suggest places to visit. One of my dogs has done such a good job for Bideawee that she was awarded the American Kennel Club's Award for Canine Excellence, Therapy Dog 2007.

Nanette P.

I chose Bideawee to do my pet therapy because I witnessed two wonderful volunteers from your organization at the Long Island Alzheimers Foundation site.

Arlene Katz - 7/10/08

The reason that I chose Bideawee to volunteer my pet was their great reputation in the animal rescue and adoption field. I had adopted a dog from the Bideawee a long time ago and he had very good care from the veterinarian in Wantagh. The people at Bideawee were careful in getting the information to know if the animal would be cared for in a responsible manner. I was impressed with the evaluation and it has been a very rewarding experience for me and Saffy! Thank you for all the wonderful work that you do, which allows us to serve people in need of companionship, like the elderly and those who suffer from mental and physical illnesses.



Excerpts from Pet Therapy Volunteers:

Vicki F., Pet Therapy volunteer

We are developing “regulars” and one in particular who cannot speak (she uses a machine) is amazing. She was a vet and she takes the time to spell out the animals she used to have. She always has treats ready. While it is difficult to communicate, we always make a point to spend some extra time with her.

Cathy S, Pet Therapy Volunteer

Alf is very popular at A. Holly Patterson. He has started going up to people on his own. He has a favorite ward and we go there after our scheduled visit. Alf, my Greyhound, pulls me down the hall on the way there and doesn't want to leave. The men there love him and are as thrilled to see him as he is to see them. This is a very rewarding experience for me. Thanks for the opportunity.

Jennifer F., Pet Therapy volunteer

All is well at the Rest Home. People just love to see Casey. We met a blind man Joe who cried the first time he met Casey; he was so happy to just pet her for a while. I am so happy to be able to share my happiness with Casey with others. Thanks again for helping to make it happen.

Tom C., Pet Therapy Volunteer

I had a great visit to Cold Spring Harbor Nursing Home, Adult Day Care. We tried an experiment with Dr. Watson. One of the patients had his blood pressure taken and after petting the dog, I had his pressure taken again and it went down ten points. The nurse was even surprised. He was telling everybody in the nursing home. Now he is going to tell his mother he wants a dog. I hope you have a great day.

Sylvia C., Pet Therapy Volunteer

Chrissy keeps telling me how much good Angel does during her visits. When we are there the kids look happy and playful and are kind and gentle towards Angel. They do a lot of talking, too. When we say "goodbye" Chrissy tells me the difference in these children's behaviors. I always thank her when I leave but she says "thank you" to Angel and me for coming as she feels we give more than we receive but I feel exactly the opposite. I always come away feeling happy and sorry when our "sessions" are over.

Charlie K., Pet Therapy Volunteer

The visit at Belair last Sunday went very well. Many residents were happy to see Sara and visit with Luly & Oreo. Several held them on their laps and one woman kissed Sara and told her how happy she had made her.

Ray G., Pet Therapy Volunteer

Django loves the visits, and most of the people there love her. One lady tells me how she's always been afraid of dogs but she's not afraid of Django. People who like dog kisses find Django particularly satisfying, but for those who don't, she'll happily sit still without licking them while they pet her.

Hannah - We will miss you



We at Bideawee are saddened by the news that Hannah, our very first Pet Therapy dog, has unexpectedly passed away due to bloat. Read more>>