EDMONTON, April 1, 2016 /CNW/ - The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) today announced a new Roadside Comfort Pet program, which pairs stranded, stressed-out motorists with specially-trained therapy animals.
From a flat tire or dead battery to an empty gas tank or keys locked in the trunk, being stuck at the side of the road can be an upsetting experience for many drivers. After researching best practices across the globe, AMA uncovered a growing body of research that suggests providing access to a herd of trained comfort pets helps people move on from stressful experiences more quickly.
"This isn't a magic bullet that turns a call for roadside assistance into a life-changing experience," admits AMA tow truck operator Mitchell Brown, who's rescued thousands of motorists. "But I've seen a child's eyes light up with wonder when we pass a Chihuahua like Romeo through the window. I've seen grown men just open up and let it all out when you hand them an experienced therapy animal like Derpie the Duck."
From hamsters and chickens to ferrets and chinchillas, AMA has been experimenting with comfort pets to combat everything from left-my-lights-on syndrome to block-heater-neglect disorder. Having trained and equipped their fleet of tow truck operators, AMA finally rolls out the Roadside Comfort Pet program province wide today.
Early results have been extremely positive. Since AMA started experimenting with roadside assistance kittens, member satisfaction scores have flown through the roof. During the pilot stages, 93% of stranded motorists reported holding comfort puppies up to their noses and saying "Awwwww… you're such a cutie-patootie… who's a good boy, huh?"
About AMA
The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is among the largest membership organizations in Alberta, representing more than 980,000 members. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, travel and consumer protection and crime prevention, AMA represents the interests of its members to industry and all levels of government and helps protect the things they care about most. Visit www.ama.ab.ca to learn more.
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Feel free to use footage from the video and if you'd like to download high-res images or interview an AMA Roadside Comfort Pet expert, please visit the AMA Newsroom or call 1-888-960-6397.
SOURCE Alberta Motor Association (AMA)
Video with caption: "Video: AMA Roadside Comfort Pet Program". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPqLB9k81Qk
1-888-960-6397.
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