March 27, 2025
Unbelievable Power of Pets
Spending time with pets has a lot of benefits for our mood and even physical health. Life is simply better with pets.
At the OHS, we asked: how can we bring the joy and therapeutic benefits of pets into our community?
Talking with our friends at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, we set up eight weeks of animal interactions for a small group of clients. We worked together to design each session with common therapeutic goals, like stress reduction and skill building. I got to facilitate sessions each week with my dog, Chase, the gentle giant.
With Chase at the lead, we had sessions full of dog love, treat giving, sharing stories, learning about pet care, games, art, wellness and lots of fun. We also made sure to keep Chase’s well-being front of mind throughout the program. By the end of the eight weeks, Chase would wag his tail uncontrollably as soon as we pulled into the Royal Ottawa parking lot — I think it was the highlight of his week!
To cap it off, the group came to the OHS for a visit to meet some of the animals at the shelter and to learn more about the work we do at the OHS!
We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback from our partners and the group that got to spend time with Chase. Next, we’re welcoming more partners to the shelter to experience the power of pets with groups from CHEO, Robert Smart Centre, the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre and Shepherds of Good Hope. They will learn about pets, how the OHS cares for homeless animals and the groups will provide enrichment for some of our shelter animals.
Loving and caring for a pet has so many benefits and can make life so much better. If you’re looking for someone to spend forever with, check out our adoptable pets.
Kristen Brooker
Coordinator: Outreach