Second annual Pet Therapy Recognition Dinner held

• The dinner recognizes the contributions made by both the human and dog pet therapy volunteers.
• Since 1995, the Pet Therapy Program has used canine volunteers to cheer patients.
• Volunteers were given gift bags for themselves and their dogs to enjoy.
• Hunterdon Healthcare is currently seeking new pet therapy volunteers.

Volunteers from Hunterdon Medical Center's Ernest L. Wells Pet Therapy Program gathered for the second annual Pet Therapy Recognition Dinner sponsored by donor Pamela Wells — whose late husband Ernest is the namesake of the program.

The purpose of the annual recognition dinner is to recognize the tremendous contributions made by both the human and dog pet therapy volunteers.

Since 1995, Hunterdon Medical Center's Pet Therapy Program has used canine volunteers to sooth and cheer patients. The program has grown over the years and currently has seven dogs that come and visit patients each day. The program has expanded to include areas outside of the hospital such as Briteside Adult Day Center, Bright Tomorrows Child Care Center, Hunterdon Hospice and Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.

At the event, volunteers were honored with a heartfelt speech by Wells, who is dedicated to expanding the program that is named after her late husband. Volunteers were given gift bags for themselves and their dogs to enjoy. "I'm so in awe the dedication of these people, and the time that they and their dogs commit to the hospital, so I really wanted to do something to recognize and honor their efforts," Wells said of the dinner.

Hunterdon Healthcare is seeking new pet therapy volunteers. All Hunterdon Medical Center pet therapists must meet the following requirements: Proof of Bright and Beautiful or Therapy Dog International Inc. training, certification, ID card and insurance coverage; a copy of the Hunterdon Healthcare Therapy Dog Annual Health Record Form; a minimum of 25 hours of Pet Therapy experience documented at a school, nursing home or library within a six month period and three reference letters. To learn how you and your dog can volunteer with Hunterdon Medical Center's Ernest L. Wells Pet Therapy Program, contact HMC's Volunteer Resources at 908.788.6140. To donate to the program, call the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation at 908-237-6994.