Does your cat regularly make a difference in other peoples lives? Do you know of a Pet Partner team that makes a difference in peoples lives? The Delta Society wants your nominations for the 2006 Beyond Limits awards, which recognize the people and animals that touch the lives of others through their animal-assisted therapy efforts. You can nominate your own pet, the pet of someone you know or a Pet Partners team you work with at your facility. Nominations will be accepted in these categories:

 Pet Partners Team Rookie Award
This award will go to a new Pet Partner team with a minimum of one years experience but less than two years. This special team will have made an impact in a short amount of time.

 Pet Partners Team Award
This award will go to a current Pet Partner team that has been registered for more than two years. This team will have reached far beyond their regular role and have made an amazing difference in the community.

 Pet Partners Team Evaluator/Instructor Award
This award will go to an individual that has helped ensure evaluations and workshops are scheduled to meet growing demands, going beyond the regular role of Team Evaluator or Instructor.

 Animal-Assisted Therapy and Practicing Professionals Awards
These awards will go to teachers, mental health providers, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, child life specialists, nurses, speech/language pathologists, social workers or other healthcare professionals or educators who incorporate animal-assisted therapy into patient or student care.

 Pet Partners Team Lifetime Achievement Award
This award will go to a Pet Partner team, evaluator or instructor with more than 10 years of experience with animal-assisted activities and therapy.

To nominate a pet, individual or team, visit the Delta Society website. Nominations must be received by Aug. 21, 2006.

Posted:  August 09, 2006, 5 a.m. EST