In keeping with the Foundation’s goal of enhancing the human/animal bond the Animal Health Foundation has formed The Animal Health Foundation Pet Partners, a Delta Society Affiliate.

Pet Partners teams consist of a trained pet and a trained human handler. All the animals that participate in the Pet Partners programs are family pets. They are owned and loved by their human partners. The pet members of the teams have obedience training and do tricks. Many do freestyle “dancing with your dog”; this activity is a hit with the patients in the facilities the teams visit. The largest team member is a Bernese Mountain Dog who weighs 96 pounds and the smallest a Chinese Crested weighing only 6 pounds.

The teams visit hospitals, assisted living facilities and children’s schools in Southern California. The Foundation has two teams that visit UCI Medical Center. The teams do both Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy. Animal Assisted Activities are visits with no structured activities where the pets entertain and provide the patients with unconditional love. Patients look forward to the visits and the facilities see the results of the human/animal interaction. Animal Assisted Therapy visits are structured visits with a therapeutic goal in mind. They are usually a one-on-one, patient and pet session. The therapy is managed by a health care professional and is rewarding to everyone involved. All the teams follow Delta Society guidelines which are some of the strictest in the world. The Animal Health Foundation generously outfits the pet team members; the human members of the team donate their time and effort to help those in need. Application to Join Pet Partners

Dr. Brundage's Bichon, Isis, loving it up with Marge!

Anna, a resident at Gordon Lane Convalscent Hospital and our cuddly mascot Tigger. Anna will be 100 years young in September 2005!

Isis is a Bichon Frise, these dogs were kept by kings in Europe in the 16th century. The were used later as barter by sailors. They have a history of being pampered lap dogs. Isis is definitely a lap dog! She loves all people and animals. Isis is a friend to all and loves to do therapy work. Isis has her novice jumpers title and and two standard legs in AKC agility. She gave up her agility career early as she hated to run and jump. Isis much prefers to sit in laps! Isis lives with Violet and Jon, two shelties and a cat named Toes. Isis's motto is "Love and kiss everyone you meet".

Marianne Lovejoy and Chase her Bassett Hound visit regularly at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center.

Chase was born in Eros, Louisiana on July 1, 2002. He moved to California when he was 12 weeks old with his mom, Marianne. Chase has traveled all over the United States visiting friends and attending dog shows with his mom and sister Robin. Chase's favorite hobbies are playing ball, taking long walks and playing chase with friends and family. Chase enjoys attending the annual Basset Hound picnic every year where he has won awards for his tricks and costumes. Chase loves his job as a therapy dog and looks forward every week to his visits at the hospitals cheering up patients, visitors and staff.

Patty Weiderman and her Chinese Crested, Fairway. Fairway is the result of many years of selective breeding. As the daughter of CH China Road Tanglewood (Woody), she proudly lives up to his name. At a TDI Fun Day Picnic, and only four months of age, she experienced her first agility tunnel. On August, 2, 2001 she graduated from JSDS Puppy Kindergarten. For her graduation trick she danced to "I went to the animal fair." Fairway competed in her first agility trial on October 12 and 13, 2002. She returned home with two perfect scores and two legs in JWW. She is now competing at the highest levels of agility. Although she continues to enjoy competing she loves nothing more than therapy visits and bringing home joy to others. She just chirps with excitement each time she anticipates going on a visit. She is very thankful for the happiness that she can bring and receive from others. Fairway is indeed a blessing to us all. Fairway and Patty visit at Villa de Palma Assisted Living in Placentia, California

Dr. Brundage's, Violet was born in Washington State and flew to California when she was nine weeks old. She lives with her father Elliot, her brother Jon and step-sister Isis. Violet loves to do agility. She jumps and barks with great glee. She has her AKC standard excellent title, and also her masters jumpers title. She started her therapy work in the summer of 2003 and continues to do well. Violet loves to dance for the patients. What Violet lacks in skill she makes up for in enthusiasm. Everyone knows when Violet is visiting because she barks when she dances. Violet's other favorite thing is going for a walk and dancing with her mom. Move your cursor over the picture of Violet and Dr. Brundage to see Violet dancing. If the picture doesn't change you need to turn off your pop-up blocker!

Here's Bogey "The Love Dog" who along with his family member Bill Adkins enjoy visiting people of all ages and bringing love and joy into their lives. Bogey is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who weighs 28 pounds. Bogey's birdthay is September 21, 2002. Bill and Bogey visit Cherry Hill Assisted Living and Sun City Convalescent Hospital in Sun City, California.

Lucy is a happy Parsons Russell Terrier who weighs just 11 pounds. She has her Junior Earthdog title and 2 legs on her CD title. Lucy is CGC Certified and registered as a Pet Partner with the Delta Society. She loves all people especially little people which makes her perfect for hospital and school visits. Currently Lucy visits at the University of California Irvine Medical Center where you can often find her cuddling in bed with a patient. When not out visiting for the Animal Health Foundation Lucy likes to ride in the car, play with her squeaky toys and loves to snuggle under the covers on a chilly day. Of course she loves to chase anything that moves! Lucy's favorite TV program is Animal Planet which can keep her entertained for hours. Lucy and her mom visit at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center.

Rocky and Stacy are regluar visitors to the Wilshire School in Fullerton California where all the students love their visits.

Kathy Gray and Haley her Bernese Mountain Dog

Robin Windlinger and her Bernese Mountain Dog Kaycee

Judy Legan and Nicholas her Standard Schnauzer. Judy and Nicholas visit at Rosewood Assisted Living.

Bruce Woockman and Emma (formerly Emmett) are in training and already very popular! Emma is a Moluccan Cockatoo and loves children and adults and even puts up with the doggies. Some of Emma's friends call her the "Velcro" birds because she loves nothing more than a good snuggle with a friend. Emma will lay on it's Bruce's chest, head extended or hang completely upside down so that just the right spot can be scratched. It is quite a site to see when Emma "melts" for attention this way.

  Lyn Taylor and his Chow-Chow Pennie are in training.

If you are interested in participating please contact:
Jan Vincent, CPDT,
PO Box 872
Silverado, CA 92676
email: Jan Vincent or better yet fill out the Application to Join Pet Partners