Helen Woodward Animal Center congratulates dedicated PET program manager…
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2019) – Helen Woodward Animal Center is celebrating one of its own, a dedicated member of the organization’s family who was recently honored with a special recognition. On Wednesday, January 30, 2019, Center Pet Encounter Therapy Manager, Robin Cohen was presented the 10 News LEADership award for her decades-long work in sharing the love of animals with those in need throughout our community.
The 10News LEADership award is given to individuals or organizations who are doing standout and extraordinary things to improve the lives of San Diegans. The award has honored nominated community leaders for more than 40 years. It is a partnership between 10News and LEAD San Diego, a group committed to building a network of leaders in the community, affiliated with the San Diego Regional Chamber. Cohen was nominated by longtime Center supporter Eva Stimson.
Cohen has led the Center’s Pet Encounter Therapy (PET) program for 25 years. She began her time with Helen Woodward Animal Center in 1992. Her love for animals only grew through her work in various Center departments including her first position, providing animal care in the Club Pet kennels. In 1994, she accepted the position of PET Manager.
PET brings the unconditional love and tactile benefits of animals to people in skilled nursing facilities, children’s shelters, hospitals, psychiatric units and many more. The basis of the important therapy stems from studies showing that holding and caressing an animal provides benefits such as relaxation, lower blood pressure, improved long- and short-term memory, and sensory stimuli.
Cohen’s passion for sharing the massive impact that animals can have on those in need is evident in her daily work. “I am thrilled that Robin was selected for the 10News LEADership award,” said Renee Resko, Helen Woodward Animal Center VP of Development. “She truly exemplifies the Center’s mission of people helping animals and animals helping people by bringing the love of our therapy animals to those in need throughout San Diego County. Her love for her work and clients she serves comes through with every visit.”
Program volunteers, which include dogs, cats, rabbits and Guinea pigs and their humans, visit more than 50 facilities monthly. In 2018, PET completed 25,263 people/animal interactions, strengthening the impact of the human-animal bond. Cohen’s own beloved rescue pets, a Pomeranian named Balonee and a Sheltie named Henry, can be seen bringing smiles to clients’ faces at a vast number of these visits.
“I feel so lucky every day to be able to bring the healing and joy that animals have to offer to people in need,” Cohen explained. “It’s humbling to receive this honor because I feel like I’m the lucky one to be able to do this work, and to be recognized for it is just incredibly special.”
To learn more about Pet Encounter Therapy, visit www.animalcenter.org or contact Robin Cohen at RobinC@animalcenter.org.