(Washington DC - April 27, 2009) The residents and staff of The Washington Home & Community Hospices in northwest DC look forward to the days when their long-term care facility goes to the dogs. Because the canines taking part in their Four-legged Friends Program bring so much joy into the daily lives of the residents.

For nearly four decades, researchers have documented the strong, positive physiological effects that animals have on humans: lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, relaxing respiratory problems and making people more receptive to medical treatment and nourishment.

The Four-legged Friends visiting dog program will host an open house for area residents - with or without their dogs - on Saturday, May 2, 2009,* at 3720 Upton Street, NW. Representatives from PAL (People. Animals. Love) will be on hand to talk about how to certify dogs for the visiting dog program and general tours of the building will be given at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.

The Washington Home & Community Hospices has served people who are elderly, chronically or terminally ill since 1888. Last year in The Washington Home, 445 people received long-term residential care, 364 received comprehensive rehabilitation services and 139 people were cared for in our Alzheimer's and dementia unit. Community Hospices served 1,657 terminally ill people and their families in DC, Maryland and Virginia last year and 321 patients in the Inpatient Hospice Unit in the District.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

WHO: dogs of all shapes and sizes, dog owners, people without dogs, families, children, staff and residents
WHAT: a neighborhood get-together and open house with food, give-aways and tours
WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.*
WHERE: The Washington Home & Community Hospices - 3720 Upton Street NW, Washington DC

* RAIN DATE: Sunday, May 3, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.