As we take a look back at the 1FUR1 impact during the unprecedented times we have experienced, we’re sadden by our inability to do more for children and seniors with disability. Due to COVID-19 pandemic all three animal assisted activity (AAA) programs have been suspended since March, 2020 and the two animal assisted therapy (AAT) programs have been working at reduce rates. So, we introduced virtual animal related engagements (ARE) which are available to anyone who is going through a difficult time and needs support from a loving 4-legged friend. The below annual summary showcases the vast decrease in impact and our sad new reality:

1 FUR 1 Foundation’s mission has always been focused on offering 360 degree assistance to our program partners before, during and after the Corona-virus (COVID-19) pandemic. Last year, 1 FUR 1 delivered financial relief, strategic support and digital tools to all of our program partners even thou some of them weren’t operational for 9 out of the 12 months in 2020.

Safety is our top priority, so we created and shipped custom print face masks to all actively working dog and mini horse handlers part of our animal assisted therapy (AAT) programs. We also sponsored coloring books for first responders to ease stress at the work place. Plus, shipped care packages to seniors with disabilities living at Florida facilities we used to visit monthly prior to COVID-19 pandemic.

Lastly, we published data collected from our animal assisted activity (AAA) program partners which tracked and evaluated the physical and cognitive impact people with disabilities are experiencing during out AAA canine and/or mini horse sessions. Our findings are:

The pandemic, decrease donations and lack of volunteers can’t stop us doing good and helping others. With public donations, we hope to continue this promise and resume regular operation by fall 2021, click here to help. In the meantime, we focus our efforts on finding new program partners who share our values, morals and dedication. Look out for news on our upcoming partnership in Tennessee, North and South Caroline.