Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS) teams bring dogs to residents of retirement communities, schools, colleges, hospice centers, and rehab and addiction centers. The dogs provide a welcome distraction and support to those who benefit from the organization's services. However, COVID-19 restrictions changed the demand for KPETS, and when Karen Gerth, founder and executive adviser of the organization, realized KPETS did not need all the space it was were renting for offices, she began looking for a new home for the organization.

In the past, Gerth had worked at a Lancaster County retirement community. "I thought it would be neat to have an organization like KPETS on a long-term care facility campus," said Gerth. In the spring of 2021, she contacted a friend who works at Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, to see if there was any space available. The friend connected Gerth to Adam Gardner, director of campus services, and on Jan. 28, KPETS moved in.

Gardner reported that the day care that had occupied a building near the edge of the campus had vacated in October of 2020. "We weren't looking for tenants, but it was also space that we weren't going to use internally," said Gardner. "It was a perfect space for (KPETS)." Not only is the space the right size, the building is nearly surrounded by a dog park used by Landis Homes residents.

"Just having (KPETS) on the campus is a perk," said Gardner. "They are close to home, and the service is available for our residents and our team members." Gardner added that in mid-February, KPETS held a meet-and-greet with Landis Homes staff members so they could get a "little pet therapy over their lunch breaks."

Gerth's 8-year-old golden retriever, Kody, quickly made himself at home in the new surroundings, and he happily greeted visitors, including this reporter, as they arrived at the new office. Gerth noted that she hoped volunteers and their dogs would soon be visiting on a regular basis. "We have 340 volunteers," said Gerth, who added that some volunteers have registered multiple dogs with the organization.

KPETS is currently seeking more volunteer dogs and owners. "There is a charge for (volunteer) orientation and insurance," said Gerth. "We have a screening process (volunteers and dogs) go through." The screening process includes an orientation, a group evaluation, and two visit evaluations. "We want to make sure the dog is enjoying (volunteering)," pointed out Gerth. "Just because the person wants to (volunteer) doesn't mean the dog wants to."

"I am happy to have (KPETS as) part of the community," said Gardner, a dog owner himself, who noted that he thinks one of his dogs might enjoy taking part in the program. "(Having KPETS here) sets Landis Homes apart a little bit."

Readers who would like to know more about KPETS may visit http://www.kpets.org or call 888-68-KPETS (888-685-7387).

More information about Landis Homes may be found at http://www.landishomes.org.