Now she leads 150 volunteers who make 15 visits each month to 10 facilities. As for the animals, they're a varied group, but dogs dominate. About 90 percent of the animals are dogs, Ferguson said. There are nine cats, two rabbits and a ferret as well. They're touched, held, surprised and introduced to wheelchairs and walkers.
Testers look for any signs of aggression.
Most do well, Ferguson said, but a few have failed. The animals that pass the test get the chance to bring joy to people in need of hope. Bear stayed back from the group, but a boy went and sat beside the dog, petting and hugging him. Hospital workers said that was the first response they had gotten out of the boy, who had been abused himself, Ferguson said. The ministry to nursing home residents and hospital patients is not the only ministry of Faithful Friends.