by Laine Himmelmann
This news story is also available in Spanish.
This fall, 433 Blue Shield of California employees spent time with their furry friends to support the annual Pet Partners “World’s Largest Pet Walk.” The event takes place virtually each year, and is a nationwide walk for pet owners and their pets to raise awareness and funds for therapy animal programs.
“Our pets keep us grounded, and help us feel happy and healthy,” said Kelly Stern, senior vice president of Communications and Corporate Citizenship at Blue Shield. “Pets offer companionship and help manage loneliness, reduce stress, improve heart health, help children with their emotional and social skills, and bring people together. We’re proud to support Pet Partners’ mission and have such a strong showing of Blue Shield engagement for the World’s Largest Pet Walk every year.”
The event encourages individuals across the globe to step out with their pets — whether dogs, cats or other animals — in support of the therapeutic power of the human-animal bond. Participants can walk at their own pace and in their preferred location. It promotes physical wellness for people and animals, and helps fund the certification of therapy animal teams to provide emotional and healing support in hospitals, schools and other community settings.
Kristen Cerf, president and chief executive officer for Blue Shield Promise Health Plan, and her bernadoodle, Dean, are also regular participants in the Pet Walk. “There is a vital connection to health provided by the human-animal bond we share with our pets,” said Cerf. “The Pet Walk is a great way to support an important cause and promote holistic well-being through meaningful community engagement. Dean and I look forward to participating in and supporting the Pet Walk every year."
Antoinette Mayer, vice president of Corporate Citizenship for Blue Shield, says the nonprofit health plan’s ongoing relationship with Pet Partners just makes sense. “We have a mission to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality health care at an affordable price. Health care goes beyond medicine, doctors and tests. Pet therapy can enhance recovery, reduce stress and foster more positive patient outcomes,” said Mayer. “Our employees love giving back, they love making a difference, and they LOVE their pets. Working with and supporting Pet Partners is a great way to engage our employees around a nonprofit that’s in line with our mission, and where our employees can also get outside and improve their own health while participating, too.”
Kelly Seymour, senior manager of IT Digital Employee Experience at Blue Shield’s El Dorado Hills office, has seen firsthand the impact that Pet Partners therapy program makes for seniors, patients, veterans and children. Her poodle mix, Dolly Parton, is a registered therapy animal through Pet Partners, and makes regular rounds at a local hospital, visiting patients in the maternity ward, intensive care unit and emergency room. “When Dolly and I walk through the hospital halls or into hospital rooms, the staff and patients light up with joy when they see Dolly ready for a head-pat or a small treat,” said Seymour. Dolly Parton has also made therapy appearances at a local school and memory care facility.
This year marked Pet Partners’ 7th year hosting the virtual walk, and Blue Shield’s 6th year participating. Blue Shield employees tracked over 900 hours and donated $4,790, in addition to Blue Shield’s titanium sponsorship of the event.
You can learn more about Pet Partners at petpartners.org. Read more about Blue Shield of California’s citizenship efforts at citizenship.blueshieldca.com.
