areawoman pets
Writer: Jill N. Kandel
Photographer: CLASSIC Photography
Tail Wagging AND Puur-fect Therapy Pets of the Red River Valley Bringing People, Pets, and Wishes Together
lene Cohen-Pearson, president of Therapy Pets of the Red River Valley, owns two cats, three dogs, and an African gray parrot. “We’re at the legal limit of animals,” her husband joked. Pearson laughs and bends down to pet Marley, the gray and white, blueeyed dog at her feet. “Marley is a rescue dog,” Pearson said, “When we found her, she was feral. And she’s deaf.” Marley looks up at Pearson and wags her tail, looking around. “Marley is wondering why we are here. She thinks we should be going over to the other people and greeting them.” 38
AreaWoman.com
As members of the Therapy Pets of the Red River Valley, Marley and Pearson get out together often, going to nursing homes, schools, and the library. “The first time Marley and I went to nursing home, she brought so much joy to the residents. My face hurt from smiling so much!” The group started in 2003 and now has about two dozen members, each with one or two certified pets. They meet as a group once a month to discuss the places they will visit. “People want Therapy Pets to visit them, but we don’t have enough members,” Pearson said. “It’s fairly uncomplicated to be certified. We’d love to see the program grow!”