There are many barriers to visiting during COVID. Help NSTA create safe and meaningful visit options.

Panda, an Old English Sheepdog, began volunteering with her handler, Robin, in early 2019. She quickly found her calling by visiting nursing homes, assisted living centers. Schools and libraries. She even wrote her own book, Panda, the Pet Me Dog.

When COVID 19 caused facilities to close this March, Panda was devastated. There was simply no way to visit seniors and children, except through glass windows and doors.

Not being able to do her job left Panda very sad.

But there was at least one event to look forward to. The Fraser Walk on August 1, would be held outdoors and indoors in a large, unfinished fieldhouse with excellent ventilation, masks and a hand-washing station.

Robin, who is a family physician, approved.

Happily, Panda was well enough to attend and enjoy the event. But sadly, it was her last visit. On August 2, Panda passed away at age 11. Panda had lived for this one last hour of safe personal petting.

This November, North Star Therapy Animals is raising money so that we can provide COVID-safe visits during the cold winder months.

We will looking for safe and warm visiting options as well as purchasing sanitizing materials and plexiglass screens. And we’ll be stocking up on hand and toe warmers for our window-reading visits!

We hope to invite young and old to safely experience the joy of therapy animals during this time.

Please consider donating $10, $25 or even $50 to make these COVID-safe winter visits possible.

All donations qualify for a drawing to receive one of 5copies of Panda, the Pet Me Dog.

Click here to donate