In June 2004, Dr. Felton conducted a small research project for her Master's of Arts in Applied Theology degree.
In this small study a registered-Pet Partners* dog was integrated into a series of prayer-service faith-sharing
sessions conducted over a five-day period in a parish setting for the benefit of independent elders. This new form
of ministry/pastoral care was generally accepted as beneficial, for those who attended found a safe place to connect
to God through theological reflection on the scriptures of world religions and their own pet stories.
The CAM/PS Model formed the basis for Dr.
Felton's dissertation at George Fox Evangelical Seminary (now the Portland Seminary). Over nine months (2010-2011), Dr.
Felton conducted a qualitative study at Maryville Nursing Home in Beaverton, OR, where she developed a training
manual on dog ministry for directors of spiritual/pastoral care for healthcare facilities using the CAM/PS Model.
The result was the "Four-Footed Ministers Pastoral Care Program."
*The
Delta Society changed their name to "Pet Partners" in January, 2012.