Lively visitors from the Mansfield Senior Lifestyles program enjoyed a day at the Animal Services Center on May 11 for a meet and greet with Golden People are Willing and Sharing (PAWS) senior volunteers at the shelter. They enjoyed a tour and pet therapy with Diane Greytak's pet therapy animals, Elwood and Diggins.

Animal activist and Mayor Pro Tempore Sheri Capehart stopped by for a visit with the group and talked about partnerships with the City of Mansfield. Suzanne Newman, the Senior Coordinator for the Mansfield Activity Center was excited about the visit, and happy for the joy brought to these animal loving seniors. Food, fun and fellowship were enjoyed by all.

Golden PAWS volunteers also surprised the group with a dose of pet therapy with baby kittens under the care of Greytak in the shelter's Foster Pet Program. Pet therapy is known to offer valuable positive interactions, not only good to relieve stress of the mind, but also to improve health conditions. The seniors were delighted to see the shelter pets and even wanted to take a few home.

"I really had a great time, and enjoyed the pet therapy animals and the tour of the shelter. I always had dogs when I was able to take care of them," said Ella Powell, one of the Mansfield seniors.

For more information on the volunteer program or to request an event, contact Cheri Colbert at 817-459-6183, or email [email protected].