The Oregon Humane Society’s upcoming annual fundraiser provides a chance for local businesses and other small groups to plunk down some cash in exchange for a little stress reduction around the holidays.
“Snuggle Express” offers cuddles and play time with a handful of small puppies and kittens inside the nonprofit’s North Portland location–all for a good cause.
The event will be held December 15-17. It features a rotating cast of about ten puppies and ten kittens, each ready to frolic. The one hour time slots can accommodate up to 20 people.
At $1,250 per hour, the snuggles don’t come cheap at Oregon Humane Society’s largest fundraiser. But if you book Friday, December 3, using the code “holidayhappiness”, the cost gets cut by half.
There’s clinical research indicating the health benefits of interaction with animals to do things like lower blood pressure, reduce loneliness and help boost mood.
“I think it just comes down to, you know, they’re cute,” said Laura Klink, public information manager for Oregon Humane Society.
“I think it’s that sense of letting the stress of the world melt away and focus on something simple and happy,” said Klink. “You can just focus on this pure joy.”
The benefits aren’t just for humans.
“These are shelter animals that will be adopted soon and it’s great for their socialization,” Klink said.
“So you’re also helping these animals.”
“But,” Klink added, “you really do get so much more in return.”
— Beth Nakamura
Twitter: @bethnakamura
Instagram: @bethnakamura
Small groups and businesses interested in securing a snuggle session at Oregon Humane Society can sign up here.