New Nonprofit Brings Pet Therapists Together

“Cold noses warming hearts” is the slogan of Creature Comfort Pet Therapy  a new North Jersey nonprofit pet therapy organization.

Based in Morris Township, Creature Comfort was founded by Annie Murphy and Joan Baer, who between them have more than 25 years of managing nonprofit programs and six years directly managing a pet therapy program. Both women have certified therapy dogs and have observed the benefits of bringing pets to visit others. At Creature Comfort, they are joined by other highly experienced pet therapy teams who have worked at schools, libraries, hospitals, nursing/assisted living facilities and more throughout North and Central Jersey.

Creature Comfort’s mission, according to Murphy, is to “provide a network of caring volunteers dedicated to sharing their pet’s love by visiting people in need of comfort or company. Pet Therapy is a win-win for everyone. Pet owners are able to bond with their pets during visits while enjoying the gratification that results from seeing a life uplifted by their pet.”

Murphy said they also hope to build connections between volunteers and facilities and to enhance the knowledge of certified working pet therapy teams through ongoing education, such as coffee sessions with featured speakers. She said, “Pet Therapy is a really important job, but it’s also fun. We want to create a club-like atmosphere -- for the handlers to share their experiences and for their pets to socialize and meet other special pets like themselves.”

Although primarily using certified working therapy dogs, Creature Comfort also welcomes well-behaved cats and rabbits to its program.

The benefits of a visit from a therapy pet are well documented. Recent studies have shown that therapy dogs visiting severely ill cardiac patients in intensive care lowered their stress and anxiety and heart and lung pressure significantly. Interacting with a therapy pet can also speed healing, stir fond memories in the elderly and assist children with learning skills, particularly reading.

For more information, contact Creature Comfort at 973-285-9083, via e-mail at info@ccpettherapy.org, or visit the web site at creaturecomfortpettherapy.org/.