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The Pet Partners Journey
Inspired by a vision that animals could not only make people happier but also improve their health, pioneers Michael and Bill McCulloch along with experts from the fields of health and animal care ld the groundwork for an organization paving new paths.
Our Story Begins
In the mid-1970s, a group of forward-thinking individuals joined forces - Dr. Leo K. Bustad, the veterinarian; brothers Dr. Michael J. McCulloch, psychiatrist, and Dr. William “Bill” McCulloch; and veterinarians DVM R.K. Anderson, Stanley L. Diesch, Joe Quigley, and Alton Hopkins. They had each observed that pets were having a positive impact on their clients' health and well-being during their respective practices.
Recognizing the potential for a deeper understanding beyond anecdotal evidence, they posited that scientific research was essential to substantiate this phenomenon. A cursory search through existing medical journals did sufficient information; hence, they committed themselves to ensuring robust research would be conducted to explore how animals influence people's lives.
Dr. Leo Bustad and Brigid
In 1977, in Portland, Oregon, the Delta Foundation was established by Michael J. McCulloch as President. By 1981, following a surge of interest from researchers and medical practitioners across both and animal disciplines, the organization's name changed to Delta Society.
Dr. Leo Bustad, widely recognized for introducing the term -animal bond, served as the society's leader during this period. The team's efforts in the early 1980s contributed significantly to establishing the importance of the -animal bond.
Co-founder Bill McCulloch, DVM, played a pivotal role by initiating the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA -Animal Bond Task Force in 1981 and was instrumental in helping pass the Housing and Urban Rural Recovery Act of 1983. His advocacy efforts in Washington, DC led to the federal government's acknowledgment of pets' therapeutic value.
Building on their research discoveries that time spent with animals lowers blood pressure, reduces stress levels, and boosts the release of orphins brn chemicals triggering positive feelings, Delta Society leaders took the next step - transforming knowledge into practical applications for everyday use.
As we moved through the late 1980s and early 1990s, Delta Society strengthened its presence in this expanding field by developing initiatives that leveraged their research foundation. A standout was the Pet Partners program - the pioneering standardized trning for volunteers and healthcare professionals med at animal-assisted activities and therapy.
In 2012, recognizing the need to clarify its mission clearly, Delta Society formally changed its name to Pet Partners. Today, our Therapy Animal Program continues to grow across the US and internationally, making millions of visits annually.
Celebrating a Decade of Growth
As we mark our 40th anniversary in 2017, Pet Partners reflects on our rich history marked by groundbreaking research and transformative work. Join us as we write the next chapter in the Pet Partners story!
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Delta Foundation to Pet Partners Transformation Human Animal Bond Research and Therapy Pet Assisted Activities Standardization Therapy Animal Program Growth Worldwide 40th Anniversary of Pet Partners Celebrations Volunteer Opportunity with Pet Partners