Pets with Heart

SOAR! recently interviewed Sisters Pat Montini and Sharon Costello, Sisters of St. Jospeh of Baden, Pennsylvania, regarding their ministry, Pets with Heart. Their congregation has been the recipient of a number of SOAR! grants.

This ministry began over 12 years ago. Sister Pat had been bringing her dog when visiting her mother at Villa St. Joseph. She saw what a difference the dog made in the lives of the people there, and soon “Pets with Heart” began.

Many people benefit from animal-assisted therapy. Interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety and improve a person’s overall well-being.

Sister Nora Egan, Buster and Sister Sharon Costello

Along with Buster and Zoey, the Sisters are a welcome sight for the Sisters in supportive living. However, the outreach of this ministry  extends beyond the congregation, as the Sisters of St. Jospeh of Baden are committed to helping their dear neighbors. The dogs have visited people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and community centers. In fact, Pets with Heart provided the first pet therapy at Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Provident Charter School West, which serves youth with dyslexia and other learning differences, is among the favorite places for Zoey to visit. In addition to Sister Pat, oftentimes some of the older Sisters will walk to the school as well. The Sisters, many of whom ministered in education, love being present as the students read.

The initiative is part of the environmental, ecologic and social justice outreach embraced by the congregation.

Sister Sharon noted that while visiting with the Sisters, especially those with memory issues, the dog may be at the center, but the focus is on the wonderful conversations that are shared. “When I walk into a room with Buster, so many Sisters say, ‘You made my day!’”

Sister Pat agrees and says, “The dogs help bring out the inner spark in so many people. It’s truly a life-giving ministry those we visit (and to us).”

It’s through innovative programs like this that they can bring joy to the hearts of their older Sisters and to their local community.

To learn more, visit www.stjoseph-baden.org/pets-with-heart/