Furry Friends For Life is ever expanding into new cities.  As we reach out to more and more of the residents of Central Michigan, the impact we're having is being noticed by area media.

Furry Friends for Life

Friday February 14, 2003

By: Stephanie Burchette
Review Staff Writer

What would you do to enhance the quality of life and provide companionship for the lonely?

For John and Nancy Gerhard, the answer was simple: bring love and life to those who need it. The best way they knew how was from the experience they had everyday, getting love and attention from their dog Chocolate Chip.

Chocolate Chip who was found abandoned outside their home at approximately eight weeks old, is now serving as a companion to the elderly and children. He is part of the program the Gerhard's started called, "Furry Friends For Life".  The organization, which began in August of 2001, has a goal of providing companionship and better health to residents of health and elderly care facilities while bringing about community awareness and education of the effects of animal contact on the health and socialization of isolated people. Furry Friends For Life a nonprofit organization that is completely volunteer driven.

John and his staff of approximately 13 volunteers take weekly trips to Central Michigan facilities; in our area they regularly visit Northwoods Nursing Center in Farwell and Shamrock Manor in Clare. They are currently visiting residents in four counties: Clare, Gratiot, Isabella and Ingham.

Co-Founder of Furry Friends For Life John Gerhard stops with Chocolate Chip for a minute to visit with Judge Robert Campbell.

Chocolate Chip and Northwoods resident Garfield Rickley exchange a kiss, while John watches over.
Photos By: Stephanie Burchette

Northwoods Nursing Center Activity Directr Pat Snyder takes a moment to pose with the facility's parrot, Sam.
Photos By: Stephanie Burchette

Viola Buerg enjoys a visit with Biskit at Northwoods Nursing Center in Farwell. Photos By: Stephanie Burchette

Furry Friends For Life is always looking for volunteers to help in the effort. They also accept monetary donations to help fund the project. For more information about this touching program visit their website at http://www.furryfriendsforlife.org/ or call John Gerhard at (899) 644-5823.