Key to our service is the unbiased nature of animals. Animals do not hold any opinions about us. This is comforting to a child who is racked with thoughts of inadequacy. Many of the children either have pets or have had pets in the past. They remember feeling good when with the animal. Providing something that brings back these memories assists the instructor’s interaction with the children on a personal level.
Many of these children have been hurt physically and/or emotionally. Resulting in the development of a more cautious and closed off attitude toward many people. However, when you bring in an animal—something that has never hurt them—they are able to trust in a new way. Past hurts can begin to heal by having success with the animals and other members of the group.

Q: What does a puppy do when it is left alone for long periods of time in a home?
A: Tear up the house.

The puppy is telling the owner the only way it knows how that it is unhappy. Conversely, pet owners often overlook or do not comprehend their responsibility in leaving the puppy for so long. They often only see or acknowledge the undesirable behavior of the puppy. Children often do the same thing. They are still learning how to communicate, and do so mainly with actions instead of words. Through our programs, we are trying to teach them how to use verbal communication successfully.

Q: What happens if a person, while holding a snake, does not pay attention to the snake’s behavior?
A: A person may get bitten if they are not aware of the subtle signals of the snake becoming upset.

These are two of the many comparisons that we make while interacting with the animals and children in a group. There are virtually endless comparisons that we can use as teaching tools. By teaching in this manner, we are not triggering the fear and anxiety that may be caused by focusing on the faults or shortcomings of the actual children. Instead, we provide them with a non-threatening displacement platform as a safe place to nurture growth and insight.

Our philosophy is that all experiences are different, and no one can understand what anyone goes through at the experiential level. However, the emotions experienced are the same; anger, remorse, guilt, self-pity, fear, etc. We do not separate children by their experiences, but teach them how to empathize through their emotions. This we believe creates a stronger support system for the future.