County Proclaims National Therapy Animal Day

photo by Ken Lipp

Lincoln County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 30th as National Therapy Animal Day in Lincoln County. The proclamation celebrates the vital role of therapy animals and recognizes the extraordinary work of Pet Partners therapy teams. During the County Commissioners meeting, Bonnie Rimola, executive director of Pet Partners of the Oregon Coast, highlighted the diverse impact of therapy animals in local communities. The proclamation acknowledged the thousands of therapy animal teams who provide critical support in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and hospice settings.

"Our therapy animals bring comfort and healing to those in need," Rimola explained, accompanied by her therapy dog Riley. The organization's teams serve a wide range of community members, including veterans, seniors, patients, and students facing literacy challenges. The Pet Partners chapter, active since 2005, showcases an impressive variety of therapy animals beyond traditional dogs. Commissioner Miller asked about the variety of types of therapy animals. Rimola said their roster includes cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, llamas, and even a Welsh pony named Little Smokey, who will make a special appearance on May 12th for Samaritan week at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. The team also visits Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City.

A key highlight of their work is the "Read with Me" program, where children improve literacy skills by reading to therapy dogs in local libraries. The teams must undergo rigorous training and re-certification every two years to maintain high standards of service. The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the proclamation, celebrating these remarkable animals and their dedicated handlers who continue to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Those wanting more information or if you want to volunteer or make a donation can go to www.oregoncoasttherapyanimals.com.