A donation from Walgreens to the Delta Society was evidence once again that four-legged friends are priceless. The Delta Society, an international non-profit organization based in Bellevue, focuses on improving human health through the help of therapy and service animals.

To show support, more than 3,000 Walgreens across the country held a recent pet photo shoot day, with all proceeds benefiting Delta Society and the Best Friends Animal Society. Customers were able to celebrate their furry friends by getting a photo taken at a participating Walgreens store. More than $60,000 was raised from the promotion – $30,171.25 was donated to Delta Society and another $30,171.25 was donated to Best Friends Animal Society.

Two representatives from Walgreens’ corporate headquarters presented the check for the Delta Society at the non-profit’s Holiday Open House event.

“This was a great opportunity for customers to create a lasting memory with their pets, while supporting two wonderful causes that make a tremendous difference in the lives of animals and humans alike,” said Mona Kelly, Walgreens divisional merchandise manager for photofinishing. “We were proud to raise funds as well as awareness for Delta Society and Best Friends and their missions.”

Since 1977, Delta Society has promoted the power of pets to improve the health and well-being of humans. After observing the positive effects of their own pets on their human patients, a veterinarian and psychologist decided to form an organization that would cultivate credible research and awareness regarding their findings.

Research has since gone on to prove that animals have a profound impact on people’s health by lowering their blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety levels, stimulating the release of endorphins which make people feel good, and much more.

Through Delta Society’s Pet Partners Program, more than 10,000 specially-trained volunteers take their pets to cheer up hospitalized patients, visit seniors in nursing homes, and work side-by-side with physical therapists.

“We are honored to be part of the first national Walgreens Pet Photo Shoot Day,” noted Lawrence J. Norvell, President and CEO of Delta Society. “This partnership is a natural. Walgreens is dedicated to providing convenient access to health care services, and our mission at Delta Society is to improve human health and well-being – which we do by encouraging mutually beneficial relationships with pets.”

To learn more about the Delta Society, visit www.deltasociety.org.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or at 425-453-4602.