Volunteers take dogs on monthly visits to several area hospitals, convalescent, rehabilitation and assisted-living facilities. This program provides much-needed socialization for all participants. Patients and residents look forward to seeing, petting and holding our furry friends. The program also provides valuable socialization for the dogs. They get used to riding in cars, exploring new environments, and meeting new people.

Angie's Healing Hearts - Pet Therapy Program brings the unconditional love and tactile benefits of animals to people in facilities such as hospitals, assisted living centers, convalescent hospitals and senior centers.  Volunteers take dogs to visit more than 19 facilities a month. Studies document that holding and caressing an animal provides benefits such as relaxation, lower blood pressure, improved long- and short-term memory, and sensory stimuli.

Animals often bring out the best in people. They can calm hyperactive children or stimulate movement and interaction in those with physical disabilities. During our pet visits, we've seen movement from unresponsive patients or heard words spoken for the first time - all to the amazement of fellow residents 

Behind the Name

When the light that beamed from Angela Gomez was extinguished too soon, her family navigated through their grief by focusing on the gratitude they had for those who were there for them. Angela was killed at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017.  Instead of fear and anger, her family chose love, joy, and meaning. From this experience and wanting to spread these positives with the world, Angela’s Wishes was founded.

In collaboration with The Community Foundation, which aids families and individuals to improve the community through philanthropy management, Angela’s Wishes has partnered with the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center to promote and support their Helping Paws program. Moreover, to honor Angela’s legacy, the program has been renamed Angie’s Healing Heart – Pet Therapy Program. Many have said “Angela’s presence made the world a better place to be because she lived in it”, and MSRPAC is grateful for the support from Angela’s Wishes, is honored to be working alongside Angela’s family, and proud to be a part of sharing the legacy of this beautiful, fun-loving, vibrant, caring and compassionate woman.