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Dothan group home
uses creative therapy
By Jamie Tate
Pet therapy uses the benefits of animal companionship to help children
express their emotions. Evelyn McDaniel, volunteer at the Wiregrass Humane
Society, recently treated youngsters at Alabama Baptist Children's Homes &
Family Ministries in Dothan to a therapeutically fun time.
 McDaniel brought two of her dogs to the Dothan group home and encouraged
children to interact with their new canine friends. The youngsters rolled
around on the floor with the dogs, played fetch, and even gave a few tummy
rubs. The pets loved the attention and so did the boys and girls,
houseparent Martha Hawk said.
"Not only can pet therapy be an enjoyable time for children to play with and
love the animals," McDaniel said. "Studies show that therapy with pets can
help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, depression and anxiety in the
children."
McDaniel contacted the Children's Homes in Dothan and volunteered her
services for pet therapy sessions. "I want to help bring the children out of
their shells and to uplift their spirits," McDaniel said. "For children
without established home lives, time with these pets can be very
therapeutic."
For her first pet therapy sessions at the Dothan group home, McDaniel
brought her two smallest dogs, each weighing under 10 pounds. Mollie is a
3-year-old, white Lhasa Poo, part Lhasa Apso and part poodle. Jasmine is a
2-year-old blonde Pom-A-Poo, part Pomeranian and part poodle.
Martha Hawk and her husband Labron joined in the fun with the children and
pets. "This could have a positive influence in the children's lives," Mrs.
Hawk said. "To have the kids see a person like Evelyn, who obviously loves
her dogs and enjoys sharing them with other people, is a big plus." |
