Therapeutic Paws brings Story Time with Pets to a screen near you

By Kurt Lewis

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Therapeutic Paws of Canada (TPOC) was forced to suspend its regular in-person programs in the face of COVID-19, but this isn’t stopping them from providing an adapted version of their services.

TPOC is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit pet therapy organization that originated in Hawkesbury, Ontario in 2002. In 2012, the Haldimand Chapter was founded, and Director of Children’s Programs Nicole Selby has said all feedback since then has been “overwhelmingly positive.”

The organization, which has around 600 teams across Canada, offers therapy programs to all ages. Some of these programs include: Paws to Read, where primary students, who may have difficulties reading, read to a certified pet in a relaxed atmosphere; and the Paws With Love to Share program, which includes therapy pet visitations to hospitals, retirement facilities, and nursing homes.