Last week, PAWS/LA's Director of Programs Steve Wayland gave a special presentation on the health benefits of the human-animal bond. He was invited to speak at the Forum on the Human Health Benefits at Los Angeles City Hall presented by the Found Animals Foundation. Found Animals is a nonprofit created by Dr. Gary Michelson with a mission to save pets and enrich lives. It is best known for launching the Michelson Prize, which will award $25 million to the first entity to provide Found Animals with a low-cost, permanent, nonsurgical sterilant for male and female cats and dogs. |
The forum took place at Los Angeles City Hall on Thursday, June 16 and featured guest speakers from around Southern California and around the country. The speakers included, Kevin Morris from the University of Denver; Rick Lange from Texas Tech University; Rory Diamond from K9s for Warriors; Steve Feldman from the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI); Barbara Romero from the Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti; and our very own Steve Wayland.
PAWS/LA's presentation spanned the history of the human-animal bond. Wayland walked the attendees on a timeline of our shared history-- from the earliest cave drawings depicting mankind's relationship with animals, to the domestication of livestock, to the present-day utilization of service, therapy, emotional support, and companion animals. He also discussed the critical role that PAWS/LA plays in preventing animal relinquishment, and explained how we help guide animal guardians through the complicated process of securing housing with our Housing Advocacy and Education program.
"On behalf of PAWS/LA and its clients, I would like to thank the Found Animals Foundation and Los Angeles City Hall for organizing this important forum," Wayland said. "PAWS/LA is always happy to raise awareness about the health benefits that our animal companions provide. We are honored to have been included in this vital conversation."
PAWS/LA's presentation spanned the history of the human-animal bond. Wayland walked the attendees on a timeline of our shared history-- from the earliest cave drawings depicting mankind's relationship with animals, to the domestication of livestock, to the present-day utilization of service, therapy, emotional support, and companion animals. He also discussed the critical role that PAWS/LA plays in preventing animal relinquishment, and explained how we help guide animal guardians through the complicated process of securing housing with our Housing Advocacy and Education program.
"On behalf of PAWS/LA and its clients, I would like to thank the Found Animals Foundation and Los Angeles City Hall for organizing this important forum," Wayland said. "PAWS/LA is always happy to raise awareness about the health benefits that our animal companions provide. We are honored to have been included in this vital conversation."