COAL GROVE - Maxine Arthur smiled as she reached out to pet Ava, one of several four-footed visitors to Sunset Nursing Home Wednesday afternoon. Ava, it seems, brought back memories.

"I used to have dogs. They would lay in my lap and I'd pet them," she said.

Wherever Ava went Wednesday, she was greeted with smiles, as was Nikki, the Old English Sheepdog and three small goats. The animals and their young owners spent an afternoon reminding the nursing home patients they were not forgotten, and that new friends were ready to make their acquaintance.

Lawrence County 4-H is undertaking a new pet therapy program. Already three clubs, the Lawrence County Copperheads, Arabia All Stars and the Clodhoppers, have signed onto the idea and 4-H Agent Laura Jane Murphy said she hopes others will soon follow suit. She said studies have shown that pet therapy is very effective in helping the elderly and the handicapped.

"Four-H is built on community service and caring for others and this is one way to reach out and interact with the elderly. … I think this is a great program to reach across the generations. I think both sides gain something from this. The younger generation gets to talk to people who have lived a long time and have experience and the older generation will know that people care and will come in and talk to them."

Teresa Huddle, whose daughters are members of Arabia All Stars 4-H, said her children have been visiting the nursing home and bringing their pets for several years now on their own initiative. Huddle said she is glad 4-H has adopted the idea.

"You can just see their eyes light up when you come in," Huddle said.

Julie Huddle, 19, said her pet therapy visit have been a wonderful experience. "Everyone needs visitors," Julie Huddle said.

Julie Huddle said she has taken Nikki the sheepdog to veterans' hospitals, other nursing homes, any place where a friendly canine would be welcome.

Charlotte Pierce said Nikki was indeed a welcome visitor to Sunset. "He can come and see me anytime."