Pasadena Public Library Celebrates National Therapy Animal Day, Recognizing Their Role in Literacy and Well-being

Therapy animals in Pasadena and their handlers were honored last Tuesday, April 30, National Therapy Animal Day, for their invaluable service in fostering literacy and enhancing community well-being.

In a heartwarming tribute to the four-legged heroes, National Therapy Animal Day was observed across Pasadena’s 10 branch libraries, underscoring the profound impact therapy animals and their handlers have on nurturing a love of reading and fostering healthier, happier communities.

Pet Partners, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to registering therapy animals, established National Therapy Animal Day to recognize the remarkable contributions of therapy animals and their human companions across the United States. Since 1977, Pet Partners has spearheaded scientific research demonstrating the myriad benefits of interacting with therapy animals, including stress reduction, relief from depression, and improvements in heart rate, blood pressure, and immune system strength.

In Pasadena, therapy animal teams play a pivotal role in enhancing human health and well-being through their compassionate interactions with diverse members of the community. From veterans and seniors to patients, students, and individuals nearing the end of life, therapy animals offer comfort, companionship, and healing in various settings.

At the heart of Pasadena’s tribute to therapy animals are the “Barks & Books” programs at the Jefferson Branch Library, and the “Read With Cody” program at the San Rafael Branch Library. 

Cody, a golden retriever, enchants young readers every Monday afternoon during the “Read with Cody” sessions, where attendees enjoy stories alongside their furry companion. Meanwhile, Maisie, a golden doodle; Nola, a mixed breed; and Jackson, a Jack Russell terrier, provide emotional support to reluctant readers at the Jefferson Branch Library every second Tuesday of the month through the “Barks & Books” program.

The proclamation for National Therapy Animal Day, delivered by Mayor Victor M. Gordo, on behalf of the City Council, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to recognizing the vital role of therapy animals and their handlers in promoting literacy and well-being in the community. 

Despite the temporary closure of Pasadena’s Central Library for an earthquake retrofit, the city’s branch libraries remain open, offering programs like Barks & Books and Read With Cody to benefit the community.

The Pasadena Public Library thanks Cody and his handler Sharon, Maisie and her handler Maggie, Jackson and his handler Cindy, and Nola and her handler Jennifer, for their many hours of volunteer service to the library and their role in promoting the importance of literacy. 

Handlers and dogs joined Library Commissioners Adrienne Bass and Leslie Rosenthal on Monday, April 29 for the proclamation presentation at the San Rafael Branch Library.