Student’s Pet Therapy Day scheduled at Chehaw

ALBANY — A Westover High School sophomore Dougherty County 4-H Club member who has a passion for both pet therapy and children with disabilities is coordinating an event set for later this week that will combine both of those passions.

Tandria Burke is hosting Burke’s Pet Therapy Day for all children, with special emphasis on those living with psychological, social and physical disabilities, at the screened-in pavilion at Chehaw from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday.

“I have not done anything like this before. This would be my first, but certainly not my last, time doing something of this nature,” Burke said.

The 10th-grader took part in the Companion Animal Science project at 4-H Project Achievement. In a speech she gave as part of the project, she talks about the benefits of service and emotional support animals for children with attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.

While she focuses on specific disorders, she said she believes children living with any disability should have a pet therapy day. That concept is something Burke can personally relate to.

“I was inspired to put his event together while working on my District Project Achievement Presentation, which is a 4-H competition that I participate in annually,” she said. “I have a passion for animals in general and informing people on how and why these animals are so important to children with disabilities and disorders like myself.

“I believe that it is so important for children with disabilities to have an opportunity to participate in a pet therapy day because these animals and contact with a community of people can provide mental and physical benefits. They can reduce and comfort in times of stress, calm us down, reduce blood pressure and reduce symptoms in various disorders and diseases and so much more.

“In the long run, these animals can lend far more support than any particular parent or person can do on their own. Through pet therapy, children can benefit greatly.”

Lunch will be provided Wednesday, and guests can enjoy games, dancing and community service activities. Some of the activities will include 4-H line dancing, a craft station, a coloring station and dog treats. The crafts made at the event are expected to be donated to the Albany Humane Society.

“The response that I am hoping to receive from this event is for people all over to further understand animals and just how much and what they can do for us. I hope that animal awareness will come out of this event,” Burke said.

Jazmin Thomas, 4-H youth agent for the Dougherty County Extension office, said the club is meant to help youths explore things they are passionate about. Burke approached those at the office about the project and wanted to know how to develop it.

“People seem excited about it,” she said. “There are organizations bringing groups of kids. I am excited to know other organizations are excited about the event.”

Burke’s fellow 4-H members are helping put at the event, with some help provided by adults. Thomas said she hopes the response brings more awareness to the cause as well as more interest in what 4-H does.

“I think Tandria is a great person to spark that interest,” she said. “I hope it is a day for the community to come by and have a good time.”

Admission into Chehaw is free for all attendees who register by Monday. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for the purpose of planning meals. Interested parties should call the Dougherty County Extension Office at (229) 436-7216 or email [email protected].

Those needing to leave a voicemail or send an email to register should leave a name, the number of people expected in their party and if there are any food allergies to be aware of.

Jennifer Parks