#People of NEI: Janet, a lesson in animal therapy

Northeast Indiana is evolving. These are the people shaping its future. #PeopleofNEI

This week's feature:

Janet Altmeyer, photographed with Oliver, is the founder and executive director of PAWS that uses animal-assisted therapy to help those in need in northeast Indiana. “I started PAWS over a decade ago when I saw how my private clients with emotional handicaps were motivated to interact with my dog, Astro. When my grandparents died, I wanted to do something with the money to give back to the community. Animal therapy was the answer, and it really is magical. We are doing research to show the health benefits for learning, reducing anxiety, and assisting with mental health issues. The handlers are so important to nurturing the relationships. I’m so proud of all of them. We are involved in mental health research, hospice, education, grief counseling, supporting students taking finals at universities, motor rehabilitation, and speech rehabilitation. The dogs are so intuitive that they know what is needed in the moment. Animal safety is always the first focus. A lot of attention is spent paying attention to the animals. We let the dogs show us when they are ready to retire. It’s important for the dogs to have normal lives when they aren’t assisting. We give them lots of time off as needed. I think Oliver and the rest of the certified dogs are amazing. I love it. It’s so gratifying to see people be able to live in an intimate moment with these precious animals and be relieved of whatever stress or suffering is occurring in their life. The interaction is pure. Dogs live in the moment and they help us do that, too. Seeing the selfless giving of others that are part of this reminds me of the great capacity that humans have to be kind.” #PeopleofNEI
A post shared by Input Fort Wayne (@inputfortwayne) on Jun 19, 2018 at 2:21pm PDT

#People of NEI: Janet, a lesson in animal therapy

Read more articles by Stephen J. Bailey.

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