What is Comfort Creatures of North MS?

Comfort Creatures of North MS is a non- profit, non-denominational, Christian volunteer group dedicated to serving people in our area by providing Animal Assisted Activities & Therapies (AAA/T) to those in need at local nursing homes, hospitals, schools, mental health centers, and other agencies.

 What IS AAA/T?

Animal Assisted Activities/ Animal Assisted Therapies have also been known as “pet therapy”. The idea has been around for decades and is based on scientific research that pets can, and do, have a positive effect on the health of people. Basically, AAA is the inclusion of animals (pets) in visits by trained volunteers to people suffering from mental or physical illnesses/ disabilities. AAT consist of not only the trained volunteer and animal, but also a licensed professional (such as physical therapist or a counselor) who has designated treatment goals for the patient.

What is the purpose of Comfort Creatures?

The purpose of Comfort Creatures is to honor Christ by serving, supporting, and comforting others; by sharing God’s creatures with others; and by demonstrating Christian love, testimony, and leadership to those we serve.  This purpose is based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, which says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows”. (NIV)

 What can I do to help?

You can volunteer… with or without a pet! There are lots of opportunities to help with fundraising, pet training, etc. even if you do not have a pet or do not wish to make visits. If you do have a pet that you feel might be qualified to make visits with you and/ or another handler, you must be trained, evaluated, and registered through an organization called Delta Society. Delta Society is an “international, non- profit, human service organization” whose programs “promote health and well being through interactions with companion animals”. Delta Society’s Pet Partners program trains volunteers and evaluates their pets for participation in AAA/AAT. This helps ensure safety, consistency in training, and credibility. It also provides liability insurance for you and you pet while visiting. Please visit their website @ www.deltasociety.org for more information.

 How do I know if my pet is a good candidate?

Your pet should have a basic level of training. They should be reliable, predictable, and controllable even in crowded or noisy situations. Dogs are the most obvious pet candidates, but Delta Society also registers cats, birds, and more.

 How much is this going to cost?

 If you wish to volunteer with your pet, the cost is approximately $75 to be registered with Delta Society every two years. This includes your liability insurance. There may be an additional fee for the purchase of a Delta Society workbook, but this is optional as you may share a workbook with another volunteer. Comfort Creatures will hold fundraisers and recruit sponsors to assist volunteers with these expenses on an “as needed” basis.  Check with your tax adviser on the rules concerning volunteerism. Many expenses you incur (i.e. travel, supplies, etc) are tax deductible. Time wise, volunteers are asked to commit to at least 2 hours per month, but more time would always be welcomed and appreciated!

 What if I already make visits with my pets?

Great!  You already know the special gift that volunteering with your pet and offering comfort to others can be to all involved. If you are not registered with an organization such as Delta Society, we encourage you to do so. If you are registered with a different organization, but would like to get your pet registered with Delta Society & become part of our group, we will be happy to help you. 

 How do I get started?

It’s easy! You can request an application/ welcome packet by emailing us at comfortcreatures@comcast.net. However, the best way to get your volunteer application and obtain a welcome packet is to attend one of our organizational meetings. Please contact us for the next meeting date, time, and place! After you have reviewed the welcome packet and submitted your volunteer release & application, a coordinator will contact you to discuss opportunities to serve our community. For more information about our volunteers, please visit Our Pet Partners page.

 THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR DONATIONS AND YOUR INTEREST!!!!