Home

Gentle, loving pets bringing joy to residents of health care facilities who are no longer able to care or or keep their own pets at home.

These residents eagerly anticipate the volunteer visits, recalling fond memories of their own beloved animals and enjoying touching and talking to the pets.

Since 1987, Project PUP, Inc has been providing pet visits to health-care facilities in Marion Co. and brings comfort to the ailing, disabled and elderly.

PUP stands for "Pets Uplifting People." The group is a nonprofit charity of about 30 volunteers. Most of the visiting pets are dogs, but there are a few friendly cats.

Such visits go on across the country. The pets like the attention. The people get the joy of pet companionship without the hassle. Studies consistently show that "pet therapy" boosts spirits and calms anxieties.

All human volunteers and the visitor-pets are carefully screened.

Project Pup is also involved with Pets Meals on Wheels (PMOW), bringing pet food to those involved in the Meals on Wheels program.

I spread happiness, love, and cheer to people who otherwise might be lonely, sad or slow to heal. My human family and I visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and everywhere else we are needed to help.

I'm almost always guaranteed
to produce smiles and laughter.

Did you know that pet visits often spark good memories of a person's own pets? Dogs often can reach people and children who have withdrawn from the world. It's been suggested by science that petting a dog can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote healing.