Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes honors therapy dogs
The best companions have four legs and today at the Gulfport City Council meeting Mayor Billy Hewes recognized a special group of wagging tails.
Therapy dogs and their owners from the organization Visiting Pet Teams of South Mississippi were on hand at the meeting where Mayor Hewes signed a proclamation declaring April 30th as Pet Therapy Day in the City of Gulfport.
The organization is a pet therapy group who visits people who are in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice care. The dogs are also trained to listen as children read to them in libraries.
Leaders from Visiting Pet Teams of South Mississippi say these dogs and their owners are extra special. Coordinator Michael Brown said, “Consider visiting hospital patient. You walk in the room you know two things are there. One, they don’t want to be there and two, they’re probably not feeling very good. Almost 100% of the time they see you, they get a little smile like hey there’s a dog and then this big smile breaks out. It just gives them a little break in the day for the situation they’re in.”
Broad President Patsy Thomas said, “They’re just calming. They’re just so loving. People just go crazy when they see them because they know they’re going to have a joyful time with them.”
The group is always welcoming new members, both two and four-legged.
Organizers say they’re currently in need of more members to fulfill all their visits and continue bringing joy to everyone in need.
If you are interested in joining Visiting Pet Teams of South Mississippi, check out their Facebook page or their website.
