PAST & PRESENT
Loving Animals Providing Smiles (LAPS) began in the winter of 2001 through the vision of three individuals who shared a common interest in providing the Napa Valley community with quality animal-assisted therapy through stable, well-trained therapy teams.
LAPS began with a strong core of knowledge and hands-on experience. The founding members brought together more than 10 years of hands-on animal-assisted therapy experience, more than 15 years of professional pet training experience, as well as professional expertise in education and administration.
LAPS became a 501(c)(3) public charity corporation in 2004.
What makes LAPS different from other Animal-Assisted Therapy groups is our belief that all types of animals are beneficial to clients, and that multiple teams performing skilled animal-assisted therapy together create additional opportunities for the therapeutic process.
LAPS maintains the highest standards in testing and training because experience has taught us that solid, well-trained teams are vital to successful client interaction. Over the years, we have enjoyed an exceptionally high team retention rate, superior safety track record and a near-zero number of cancelled program visits. Our facilities and our clients can count on LAPS teams coming on time, as promised, on a regular schedule, and providing engaging personal contact and activities.
LAPS welcomes all types of domestic pets.
While dogs are the most commonly
used - cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, llamas, pot-bellied pigs, and birds have proven very effective.
LAPS registers all its therapy teams with the Delta
Society / Pet Partners Program, following the guidelines set forth by this premiere international
organization, so we can offer membership to a variety of animals and their owners.
Additionally, each LAPS Therapy Team completes a 3-month probationary period and participates in hands-on practice sessions under the guidance of seasoned handlers and trainers. This intensive training helps new teams build skills needed to become effective and safe in a variety of settings and with a variety of clients.
Every two years, each team must re-register with Delta Society/Pet Partners, thus demonstrating its continued skill and aptitude for therapy work.
LAPS focuses on creating therapy programs where multiple teams work together.
We have found that where one therapy team can touch a client, simply having different pets at each session may engage clients who otherwise might not connect with a given team. Each team is encouraged to master behaviors and learn special skills that work in concert with other teams, thus building a positive, energetic environment for everyone.
Therapy programs are scheduled regularly at facilities allowing handlers to prepare and practice for each session in advance.
We require our teams to participate in a minimum of two programs per month, and we encourage regular attendance at our General Membership meetings as a way for all members to exchange ideas and benefit from each other’s experiences.
LAPS shares knowledge and experience with other animal-assisted therapy groups.
As part of an international organization, we communicate and network with other volunteers doing similar
work across the country. It is through this collaboration with other quality groups that our volunteers
are encouraged toward higher goals and our therapy programs continue to flourish.
In December, 2005, LAPS lost one of our founding members with the untimely death of Carolyn Lenzi. Long-time Napa residents, especially those in the school system, may remember Carolyn from her teaching career at Northwood and Alta Heights Elementary Schools.
LAPS is continuing Carolyn’s commitment to young people and honoring her memory by developing CAPERS (Children and Pets Enjoy Reading Success). This program will allow LAPS teams who have completed additional specialized training to work one-on-one with children in schools and in after-school programs to improve the child’s reading skills. Carolyn’s love of learning was very apparent to all who knew her, and LAPS is honored to continue her vision with this Program.
We currently have programs in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties serving seniors in assisted-living facilities, teenagers in juvenile detention, and elementary school-age children in Special Education classes. Two, three, or more teams attend each regularly-scheduled program meeting. Some programs meet once a week, others meet once or twice a month.
LAPS reaches out to the community at public venues and holiday events such as those sponsored by the Elks Club and ParentsCAN.
We require a high standard of training and commitment from our members and their pets, but in return, LAPS members receive support and encouragement as they improve their skills, gain experience, and enhance the everyday lives of our clients.