Pets may make you happier. But what if you don't have the financial means to purchase one?

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — Nurse Tiffany Lloyd grins as she cuddles up to a fluffy white Pyrenees dog who licks her nose. "Thank you!" she exclaimed.

Lloyd was in severe need of therapy, and this was exactly what she got. "It's been a trying couple of years, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Lloyd and about 400 other people had reacted to a social media post from Richmond Animal Care and Control just a few days before. Before the pups were adopted, the shelter stated that it had a litter of seven Pyrenees puppies and was conducting public snuggling sessions.

The shelter stated that first responders, healthcare personnel, and others who were grieving and depressed were given precedence.

Christie Chipps Peters, RACC Director, said they chose 50 persons from hundreds of applicants.

People are feeling so much hurt, concern, and despair right now that they don't always have an outlet, Peters said. As a result, we were taken aback when we were flooded with people who said things like, 'I'd love nothing more than to sit in a room with a fluffy dog to make everything better.

Pets improve our physical and mental well-being, reduce stress and loneliness, and promote enjoyment in our lives, according to studies. Pet ownership, however, is not always attainable for everyone. Especially for those who are struggling financially.

We don't feel those benefits of keeping animals should be limited to the wealthy, the Richmond SPCA's Tabitha Treloar said.

Public funds and donations to the Richmond SPCA enable veterinarians at the Susan M. Markel Veterinarian Hospital offer crucial treatment to beloved pets. Clients are accepted based on their home size, income, referrals, and adoptions from the SPCA.

Knowing that our staff of vets working here will never have to turn away a customer due to a lack of financial means is a great weight off their shoulders, Treloar added.

Even for those who can afford pet care but are unable to commit to full-time pet ownership, Treloar suggests fostering a pet through the SPCA's foster program. All costs associated with care are covered by the SPCA for those who participate in the program.

You could be doing a valuable service to the animal while also benefiting yourself, Treloar added. It's a win-win situation!

The public's response to RACC's latest snuggling session has persuaded staff to offer similar opportunities in the future for anyone who wish to spend time with animals or contemplate adoption.

Life can be difficult, according to Peters, but animals can help us put things in perspective, especially when we need it the most.

I believe animals remind us that the world is wonderful, friendly, and cheerful, and that is something we can focus on," Peters added.

Visit www.richmondspca.org and www.rva.gov for further information.

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