by WHITLEY CLIFTON PHOTO CREDIT MELVA HORNSBY
Since Nov. 25, clients of the Braswell House have traveled every Wednesday to the Betty Gambrell Animal Shelter to provide volunteer services to shelter staff and canines and to participate in a new pet therapy program recently installed by Braswell House Supervisor/Director, Leigh Farrow.
According to Eric Best, representative of the Braswell House, the group has visited the shelter for three consecutive weeks and plans to continue with their good deed efforts.
“The idea was prompted by Braswell House Supervisor/Director, Leigh Farrow, as a way to provide therapy for clients of the Braswell House. Our clients are dog lovers, so not only do they benefit from pet therapy with each visit, they also obtain a sense of self-worth by providing voluntary services,” Best said.
The volunteers lent a hand in daily duties around the shelter and took advantage of the opportunity to liven up the spirits of the shelter dogs by spending some one-on-one playtime with them.
“The Betty Gambrell Shelter welcomes volunteers who wish to take time for a visit, lend a helping hand and play with shelter pets,” said Leta Fuentes, shelter manager. “We are appreciative of the volunteer work provided by Braswell House clients within the past three weeks, as well as others who volunteer and donate to the shelter to help benefit our shelter pups.”
The Braswell House provides substance abuse treatment services for adult men and women in a long-term residential setting. The establishment is government-funded so payment assistance is available for those in need of financial assistance.
