On April 4 , 2008, a contingent of 40 government, business and community leaders from Botswana, South Africa visited Delta Society’s international headquarters in Bellevue, WA. The group was in the United States to learn how people’s passion lead to innovation and success in the U.S. corporate and non-profit sectors.

During their 3 hour visit at Delta Society, the group gained an appreciation for the healing powers of companion animals. They learned about numerous research studies which have proven that the presence of animals lowers people’s blood pressure, reduces stress, and stimulates the release of endorphins. They were exposed to our Pet Partners program and the benefits realized by hospitalized patients, seniors, individuals with AIDS, and children who are learning to read. The highlight of the morning was clearly when they met Delta Society Pet Partner (volunteers who take their animals into hospitals, hospice centers, schools, etc.). Niki Kuklenski shared her stories of visiting people in need with her 2 llamas – Isle Eagle and Marisco (pictured above) and Rachel Wright talked about her experience working with children and at-risk youth, with her Pet Partner, Mia – a Basset Hound/Labrador mix.

Admittedly some guests were having a bit of a struggle relating to the importance we place on household pets, but that didn’t stop the message from getting across. As one delegate noted, “Now, that I think about it, when my uncle was in a hospital his motivation to get better was that he wanted to go home to be with his cattle.” While the species may differ, this is just one example that across cultures the power of the human-animal bond exists. While its visibility may shine at different degrees, with on-going education, the illumination of the benefits animals provide to humans will only brighten across the globe. We at Delta Society are honored for having been asked to be part of this multi-cultural learning experience.