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About Pet Hug Fund™ |
Sammy and Karen
Little Haley is a happy happy little girl who has never talked, walked or eaten solid food in her whole four-year-old life due to cerebral palsy. All the therapists enjoy working with her during her therapy sessions, but they could find nothing to motivate her to take steps in her special pony walker. They had tried everything! Nothing was working.
Nancy, her physical therapist had heard of pet therapy but never really pursued it. After getting approval to bring a dog in "where no dog has gone before", she invited Sammy and me to come in and see if we could help. Haley laughed and giggled when she met my happy-go-lucky 4-year old golden. (They are so much alike!)
That very first session was a miracle. After trying several different approaches, we finally found one that worked. It wasn't urging her to walk to pet Sam, or to get his toy. It was watching him chase his ball that the therapist helped her 'throw'! Seeing him chase the ball made those little legs just started going!! Going so much that in her one-hour session this precious child walked the length of her gym and back AND half way back again. Nancy said for her, it was like running a marathon. Haley and Sam BOTH left out big sighs as Haley was put in her stroller to go home with Grandma.
The sessions with Haley are starting to include occupational therapy as well: with Haley choosing what she wants to do by choosing a picture on "Big Mac" switches. She may choose 'Sammy" or a "tooth brush" by touching these large buttons. The buttons then play back a pre-recorded message of the task she has chosen. She does not like the tooth brush, so these sessions are helping us to help Haley communicate with us.
The two are quite a team and bring smiles to Grandma, other clients and staff as well. I am so thankful I am able to share my precious gifted boy with others. I finally know why God put me on this earth!
KPETS - Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services, Lancaster, PA