To Our People-Animal Connection
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Bi-Annual Newsletter · July 2017 TO OUR PEOPLE-ANIMAL CONNECTION FAMILY The UCLA People-Animal Connection (PAC) is dedicated to providing compassionate, world-class patient care, companionship, and warmth to more than 1,000 critically ill children and adults every month and is grateful for your support. PAC ATTENDS UCLA STUDENT-ATHLETE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR FOR FIRST TIME Members from the UCLA Softball team pose with PAC dogs Shepzel and Mazel. In March, the People-Animal Connection (PAC) teams had the privilege of attending the UCLA Student-Athlete Health and Wellness Fair at the J.D. Morgan Center, which serves as the “hub” for all 25 of UCLA’s intercollegiate athletic teams. The event enabled students to engage in an open conversation about mental health and substance abuse. Attending the event for the first time, PAC teams brought comfort and cheer to student-athletes heading into the winter quarter finals week. As the dogs ran around, interacting with the athletes, everyone enjoyed opportunities for plentiful petting, great conversations, and delightful Snapchat stories. Many dogs sported UCLA blue and gold accessories or wore UCLA-inspired attire, showing their support for the athletes and rooting for their success. The program is grateful for the chance to bring the soothing and friendly K-9 companionship to student-athletes. Thanks to all the wonderful PAC volunteers who contributed to the success of this event! They are hoping to return for another installment next year. PICK PICO! On May 21, PAC teams participated for the third year in the Pick Pico Event, a community celebration that features great local food and products, live entertainment, and a chance to learn about local government and nonprofit organizations. The event aligns with PAC’s mission to engage in public outreach opportunities. The entire PAC program enjoys returning to this happy gathering year after year. PAC Dog Roxy greets visitors in the kissing booth. [email protected] • (310) 267-8184 • PAC Director – Erin Rice • PAC Coordinator – Kunal Wahi PEOPLE-ANIMAL CONNECTION “FUN FACTS” The PAC Program started at UCLA Health in 1994. PAC teams visit more than 40 units at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, and well over 20,000 patients per year. Most requests come from the pediatric department. 65 dogs participate in the program, 27 of them female and 38 male. The most popular breed is Labrador Retriever, with MEET GRACIE, Golden Retriever a close second. MEET LARRY, THE TINY OUR 152-POUND BUT MIGHTY The largest dog is Larry, a 152-pound Great Pyrenees. PUP. 2.5-POUND The smallest dog is Gracie, a Teacup Chihuahua, CHIHUAHUA. weighing 2.5 pounds. VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Ellen Morrow has been volunteering with PAC for more than 10 years, visiting patients throughout UCLA’s Westwood hospitals, but especially those in the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. Ellen’s involvement with PAC began with her Golden Doodle, Charley. Sadly, Charley passed away in March. The UCLA Student-Athlete Health and Wellness Fair was his last PAC event. His selfless contribution and loving attitude will be missed by all at UCLA Health. Fortunately, Ellen continues to volunteer with her 9-year-old Golden Doodle, Elbee, and her 3-year-old Teddy Bear Doodle, Gus. Ellen was first driven to volunteer with PAC after being encouraged by a “woman in the waiting room at the vet,” who commented on Charley’s demeanor, saying that he “would be a perfect therapy dog.” The next morning, this thoughtful stranger Ellen Morrow with Elbee, Gus, and Charley. called Ellen with the number of UCLA PAC. “It was a phone call that changed my life. After all of the training, preparation, and testing, I knew it was what I was meant to do,” Ellen recalls. “Watching Charley, Elbee, and Gus work over the years, soothing, healing, and bringing smiles to patients, families, and staff, has been such a gift in my life.” The UCLA event that has stood out the most for Ellen was the candlelight vigil following the campus shooting in 2016. She said, “As tragic as the circumstances were, watching the dogs offer comfort was inspiring.” Ellen’s continuing commitment to PAC and her unwavering dedication have added a priceless sprit to the program. Thank you, Ellen, Charley, Elbee, and Gus for bringing so much joy and comfort to hospital patients and staff, UCLA students, and the larger Los Angeles community. Each gift directed to PAC transforms the patient experience and helps to ensure that this “paws”itive program can continue to serve our UCLA Health family. If you would like to make a donation to support UCLA’s People-Animal Connection, please contact: UCLA Health Sciences Development [email protected] (844) 474-4387 @UCLAPAC www.uclahealth.org/pac #UCLAPAC [email protected] • (310) 267-8184 • PAC Director – Erin Rice • PAC Coordinator – Kunal Wahi.