Friends Indeed Brings Together Kids and Pets in Need

Sept. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Phoenix, AZ, September 2011… A mother’s experience with her own teenaged daughter has inspired a community outreach program that has touched more than just a few hearts. Friends Indeed has been raising awareness about Animal-Assisted Therapy, while creating opportunities for adoptable animals and troubled teens.

“When my own daughter was in middle school, like many teens she went through a very trying time, and it took a toll on her emotional well-being,” explains Inge Keller, founder of local outreach group, Friends Indeed. “We tried counseling and all the appropriate resources, but nothing seemed to have the effect we had hoped for.”

The solution, says Keller, came in the most unanticipated form. “We happened into a local pet adoption event one day, and my daughter really took to a little black kitten. The bond between them was immediate, and has grown stronger every day. Even though I was aware of the therapeutic effect a pet can have, I would never have imagined the impact this little animal would have on my daughter’s life and well-being.”

Friends Indeed works with local animal shelters, youth groups and mental health professionals to bring together teens with adoptable animals, to bring the groups together. “On a practical level, we work to arrange tours of animal shelters, where the kids can interact with the animals,” Keller explains. “We also arrange day camps and other events, where we give the kids information about animal care, animal behavior, and give them a chance to interact with different kinds of animals.”

Keller says even though the program is still in its infancy, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Many times, even if the kids just visit and bond with the animals and no adoptions take place, the hope, inspiration and opening of hearts and emotions created by their interaction is enough to make a difference to these kids, at a time in their lives when they might feel unloved, unaccepted, or struggle with depression and even suicidal thoughts.”

She adds that, in some cases, the teens end up volunteering at the shelters to care for the animals, thereby affording them not only an opportunity for regular interaction, but a sense of purpose.

“It’s a great thing for the kids, and great for the animals,” she observes. “With the support of more shelters and youth organizations, we hope to see the program grow to touch a lot more kids.”

More information on Friends Indeed, write to friendsindeedphoenix@gmail.com