Human-Animal Bond in Colorado, part of Colorado State University’s School of Social Work, has announced three individuals and a local Fort Collins business for its annual volunteer celebration awards.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, HABIC has worked to stay connected to students in local schools through a variety of new approaches, from messages of support, to presentations, to virtual visits. In March, HABIC teams resumed in-person visits with new safety protocols.
Human-Animal Bond in Colorado volunteer team Jacqueline Rusho and her rescued Great Pyrenees dog Sophie developed a special bond with senior residents of long-term care facilities.
In October, CSUs HABIC therapy dog program restarted at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, bringing human-animal volunteer teams to serve the mental health needs of healthcare personnel.
Lisa Williams has joined Human-Animal Bond in Colorado as an undergraduate student intern through the Bachelor of Social Work program. Learn more about her interests and experiences that brought her to HABIC:
At HABIC, keeping our community members and volunteers safe has always been a priority. We require cleaning your therapy animal before every visit. This helps prevent the spread of Covid-19 and zoonotic diseases. Learn more about dry bath techniques to retain natural oils in your animal's coat.
Meet HABIC Dog Trainer and Program Coordinator Jasmine Marie (BSW, 12)! She worked with her first dog at age 12 in Fort Collins and became a professional dog trainer before studying social work at Colorado State University, where she became inspired to learn more about the human-animal bond.
Clara and owner/handler Laura became a HABIC-certified volunteer team in 2017. They worked at Columbine Health Center visiting patients and residents, and at Respite Care assisting youth with developmental disabilities. Clara passed over the rainbow bridge suddenly in September.
For people experiencing homelessness, having a pet can provide valuable companionship, mental health benefits, security and opportunities for responsibility and self-redemption.
For people experiencing homelessness, having a pet can provide valuable companionship, mental health benefits, security and opportunities for responsibility and self-redemption.