Delegates in the dog project at 2002 Academic Conference participated
in the H.A.B.I.T. program. Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee, which is
comprised of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, community volunteers,
and private veterinary practices, brings people together to explore
the circumstances and consequences of the human-animal bond and to promote
this valuable bond between people and animals. The 4-H'ers spent an
afternoon taking four-legged friends to visit two-legged friends in
the nursing home. One young volunteer said, "I learned how pet
therapy will really make a difference in a person's life, at least for
a day." Another commented, "[I learned] that some of the happiest
moments in life are when you bring joy to others. I felt really good
after helping others."



