AMA unveils 'comfort pet program' to aid stranded motorists

Breaking down on the highway or getting a flat tire can be unbelievably stressful for drivers. But one Alberta roadside assistance companyis aiming to help ease the tension with a therapeutic new initiative.

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) today unveiled its "comfort pet program," which brings animals to members when they call for roadside assistance.

Spokesperson ChrisRechnersays the program is an innovative way to bring stress levels down and make members feel better about their vehicular predicaments.

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"We see it all the time, whether it'sLeft My Lights OnSyndrome or Block Heater NeglectDisorder, people are a little nervous about asking for help and then they feel a little awkward when we're changing their flat tire,"Rechnersaid.

"Our research shows that it'seasy to remedy with something as simple as a therapy chinchilla or a baby goat to pet."

This isn't the only example of animals being used in therapy. Multiple universities have established temporary "puppy rooms" during exams to relieve stress, andtrauma dogsare often used to help victims testify during difficult trials.

Variety of animals

Rechnersays AMA has trained a number of different animals to help stranded motorists, includingDerpythe duck andMr. Speckles, a chicken.

"We even have a registered relaxation donkey called Mr.Tiddlywinks,"Rechnersaid.

The service is free to all AMA members.

"We've always delivered thatjerrycan of gas or that locksmith service,"Rechnerexplained. "Now we're hoping to deliver a little TLC and maybe a therapy ferret."

New programs ahead

The comfort pet program marks the beginning of a new AMA division focusing on bringing together animals and roadside safety. However, these projects aren't without their challenges.

The comfort pet program's parrots can be a bit "bitey,"Rechnersaid, and not everyone has been impressed with the choice of animal.

"We've been training cats for the AMA school safety patrol,"Rechnersaid. "But they keep jaywalking and they're a little bit frightened by the fluorescent vests."

AMA's next project will be training carrier pigeons to deliver new registration stickers and place them directly on vehicles.

April Fools!As much as we wanted roadside assistance puppies, this announcement isan April Fool's joke.

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