SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Month, residents of the Home of Guiding Hands (HGH) gathered at the Verbeck Resource Center in El Cajon for a special event featuring therapy dogs and pizza. The annual event, known as Pets and Pizza, was created three years a go by 15-year-old Joey Blumberg. His goal was to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to relax and bond with therapy dogs from the nonprofit Love on a Leash. Baby ‘Great Horned Owl’ rescued after winter storm in Bay Park “My family has been involved in HGH for many, many years — it’s always been super important to us,” Blumberg said. “I love animals, and I think it’s really important that the residents have a day to come out and just have fun and relax with dogs as it’s really good for them.” For Wendy Smith and her son, Jacob, who sometimes struggles with shyness, the event is about more than just petting puppies. “We walked in, and he immediately started hugging people, and walking around and smiling, he's been giving high fives, and leaning in,” Smith said. “It’s just one of those moments that I know fills his soul.” Edward Hershey, president and CEO of HGH, talked about the importance of providing therapeutic experiences for the nearly 5,000 individuals the organization serves in San Diego and Imperial counties. San Diego Zoo to celebrate National Panda Day with giveaways “Seeing the individuals that we serve be part of and engage with their community and thrive is what gets me up excited every day to do more and more for them,” Hershey said. “Our mission is simple — improve the lives we serve. We started from a small group of family members who felt there was a better way to care for their loved ones, to not put them in institutions, and to create a community environment.” Experts say therapy pets can help relieve stress and anxiety while boosting confidence and happiness, especially for individuals with special needs. For Jacob and others at the event, the unconditional love of a dog made a lasting impact. “It’s just wonderful,” Smith said. “I don't know that there are words to express as a parent how much we are always hungry for and looking for those opportunities to have our children blossom in ways that feel like 'I get to bear witness to this.' I can tell how happy he is, and finding opportunities for that is beyond words." ...read more read less