Peoria, IL July 29, 2014:

IPMR Senior World, Molina HealthCare of Illinois, Grand View Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, and Peoria Humane Society are teaming up  to provide Pet Rodeos for local senior citizens.  The Pet Rodeo will feature man’s best friend and his handler.   Pet therapy is a popular method of mild therapy for seniors.

The first Pet Rodeo stop will be at IPMR Senior World Peoria on Wednesday August 6, at 10:00 a.m.  where the handlers  will demonstrate their beloved pet’s skills.  Jackie Bowers, Director of IPMR Senior World, said, “we are excited to have therapy dogs and other trained volunteers and their pets provide entertainment to our seniors.   In doing so, they improve the mental and physical health of all they visit.”   The dog handlers will then stop by the Grand View Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Peoria.

Michelle Sanders, Community Outreach Coordinator, Molina Healthcare of Illinois; Jackie Bowers, Director, IPMR Senior World; Julie Hess, Administrator, Grand View Alzheimer’s Special Care Center; and Kitty Yankow, Education Coordinator, Peoria Animal Welfare are the architects behind the Pet Rodeo.

The “Special Pals” and their handlers are trained through the therapeutic pet program at the Peoria Humane Society.   The Peoria Humane Society provides therapy pets for senior living centers and day programs throughout Peoria County.