History

The Hot Springs Pet Therapy (HSPT) program was started in 1997 as an outreach/volunteer group by an employee of Hot Springs Animal Services, Ted Ericson, whose thought was to bring puppies and nursing home residents together.  It was originally called "Hot Springs Pets for the Elderly Program" and had 13 volunteers.

In 1999, Lakeside Key Club joined the program, donating hundreds of volunteer hours.  It assisted Pet Therapy in many aspects whenever asked and visited Lakewood Convalescent Home.

In 2001, senior volunteers became part of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)

Garland Community College became involved in 2002 under the leadership of Service Committee Chairman, Robert Cardwell. Our first logo of a reaching hand and paw was adopted in early 2003. At this time, our services were offered to hospice, and well as schools for their after-school programs.  

In January of 2006, our group began a re-organization that finally gave the group the direction it needed: A Board was elected, we finally achieved our Not-for-profit status in December of that year and the group, officially,  became known as "Hot Springs Pet Therapy, Inc.".  

In 2020, Covid hit us hard, we couldn't visit the nursing homes or children homes, so we became inactive for the last two years.  We have since restarted and are excited to be serving the community again. We are always in need of more volunteers so please consider becoming a member!