The American Cancer Society recently expanded its PAWS (Pups Assisting with Support) program to six children's hospitals across the United States. PAWS is a "pilot grant program that aims to improve the quality of life for hospitalized children with cancer through support from specially trained therapy dogs." The $8000 funding grant for each of the hospitals participating in the program covers veterinary costs, adoption, training, food, grooming, beds, toys, and improving/maintaining dog facilities for a 12-month period. Animal-assisted therapy for hospitalized children aids in decreasing anxiety, stress, depression, pain, as well as increasing quality of life.
Click here to learn more about the PAWS program.
