Abstract：
In the field of gerontological social work, there is growing interest in further exploring and understanding human-animal bonds and relationships, a trend that accelerated significantly during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community-based organizations are promising partners as they provide acknowledgment and support for older adults\' relationships with their pets and the strengthening of the human-animal bond. This brief report discusses the history, impact, and potential of one community-based organization\'s annual Valentine\'s Day event, Heart to Heart. Initiated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by Animal Advocates of Greater Lafayette (AAGL), an Indiana-based community organization, Heart to Heart recognizes, celebrates, and supports older adults\' bonds with their pets through delivering pet presents directly to older adults\' homes. Despite the mounting evidence that pets provide support and comfort for people of all ages, but particularly older adults, social service agencies and programs that serve older adults are often reluctant to recognize the power of the human-animal bond. Heart to Heart allows our community to see and appreciate the strength of these relationships, contributing to new conversations and possibilities for keeping pets and people together through the lifespan.
摘要：
在老年社会工作领域，人们越来越有兴趣进一步探索和理解人与动物的联系和关系，这一趋势在COVID-19大流行的早期显著加速。社区组织是有前途的合作伙伴，因为它们为老年人与宠物的关系以及加强人与动物的联系提供认可和支持。这份简短的报告讨论了历史，影响，以及一个社区组织一年一度的情人节活动的潜力，心连心。在COVID-19大流行的高峰期由大拉斐特（AAGL）的动物倡导者发起，印第安纳州的社区组织,心连心承认，庆祝,并通过将宠物礼物直接送到老年人家中来支持老年人与宠物的联系。尽管越来越多的证据表明宠物为所有年龄段的人提供支持和舒适，但尤其是老年人，为老年人服务的社会服务机构和计划通常不愿意承认人与动物联系的力量。心连心让我们的社区看到和欣赏这些关系的力量，有助于新的对话和可能性，使宠物和人在整个生命周期中保持在一起。
