Therapy animals have started to become much more prominent in our society.
Whether it is a therapy dog, equine therapy or reaping therapeutic benefits from lizards and rabbits, animals have been proven to be supportive for people.
Therapy animals can provide both emotional and physical support. They can reduce stress, provide comfort and unconditional love and even strengthen muscles and provide guidance through streets and buildings.
On this hour of All Sides, we'll hear from Dreams on Horseback to talk about their miniature horses and equine therapy, then the co-handlers of a community dog at a Columbus school, and then someone in charge of the animal assisted intervention at The Buckeye Ranch.
Guests:
- Ellen Lee, director of development and marketing, Dreams on Horseback
- Mary Ely, equine science in mental health and learning specialist, Dreams on Horseback
- Brelle Farrenkopf, associate head of the Lower School/director of early childhood at Columbus Academy/co-handler for community dogs
- Stefan Farrenkopf, upper school English teacher at Columbus Academy/co-handler for community dogs
- Heather Syrus, clinical supervisor at The Buckeye Ranch