There is nothing more uplifting then to have a resident who has not responded to human interaction respond to a visit from the PUPS. A visit from PUPS provides residents an opportunity to relive fond memories as well as make new ones. They share stories from their earlier lives. Some appreciate just looking at the dogs; some enjoy the thrill of running their hands through a dog's coat again. Some ask for and receive kisses, a hand shake or a hug - all enjoy watching tricks and canine play. The offering of quiet acceptance, of just being there to share, is the gift our dogs give freely.Our pets bring joy and happiness to the residents and patients of those facilities we visit.

Pets, our animal companions, make no judgments and demand nothing in return. Pets give us unconditional love.

In the recent past, the medical community has strongly encouraged using the term "therapy" only when a "specific medical or social goal has been designated and is evaluated, documented and recorded by a privileged provider". This encouragement comes from both JCAHO (the rule-setting organization for human medicine), the medical insurance billing procedure experts, and in part, as a result of the multiple para-professionals and alternative medicine practitioners advertising their "therapies" at this time.

Due to all of this, the original term "Therapy Dogs" term is fading and being replaced with more precise phrases such as "Animal Assisted Activities" or "Emotional Visiting Pets" or just plain "Pet Visitation". These dogs, and other animal companions, bring joy to residents and patients - the hallmarks of our animal companion assisted programs.