Pet Therapy Program at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center

Specially trained dogs and their handlers will visit Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center this month to visit with children, adults and seniors receiving treatment, a university spokeswoman said Monday.

Dog trainers are taking part in a program called PAWs - Pets Aiding Wellness - as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Briana Pastorino of Loma Linda University Medical Center said in an announcement.

"Dogs and their handlers are volunteers specially trained and certified through organizations such as Love on a Leash, Delta Society, and Therapy Dogs International," Pastorino said. "Patients who wish to receive pet therapy will be able to interact with the dogs in a group or individual setting."

Praveen Injeti is the lead occupational therapist at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center, and he is the PAWs program leader, Pastorino said.

"This has been a project two years in the making," Injeti said. "I'm anxious to see the positive effects I know these pets will have on our patients. For someone who is depressed or has low self-esteem, a cuddly K-9 may be just what they need to brighten their day."

Research shows pet therapy can lower blood pressure, facilitate relaxation and encourage reminiscing, Pastroino said. The PAWs program started Wednesday May 9 at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center in Redlands.