Equine-assisted Therapy

Next to dogs, horse's are another animal commonly used in animal-assisted therapy. The therapeutic benefits of horse back riding have been documented since way back when and those benefits still hold true today.

Horses remain an effective animal for therapeutic work because of their ability to mirror human emotions. Experts suggest that it is easy for humans and horses to establish a connection due to the similar ways they interact socially. Horses, much like dogs, are intuitive animals in the sense that they have a natural ability to read and understand human behavior and respond accordingly.

There are multiple equine therapy programs available all over western Pennsylvania, assisting veterans, children, and adults with physical and mental disabilities every day.

Some of the centers include:

1. Elliot Acres, Chicora, PA

2. Nickers 'N Neighs, Acme, PA

3. Horses with Hope, Bethel Park, PA

4. Verland Foundation, Sewickly, PA

Visit their websites for more information!

The Really Great Dane

"I had wheelchairs, walkers, Canadian crutches, regular crutches, and then we got George and I dropped my crutches and started to use him."

This week, I heard a story about young girl and her service dog that warmed my heart. Bella, an 11-year-old girl from Minnesota, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Morquio Syndrome, when she was just 2-years-old. Morquio Syndrome is a genetic disorder that attacks her healthy bone growth, leaving her short statured and making it hard for her to walk.

It wasn't until her parents brought home George, that Bella was able to walk on her own. George is a 131-pound Great Dane. He goes to school with Bella and helps her walk to all of her classes, napping while she is working at her desk. He gives her the support she needs, both physically by letting her rest her arm on him for guidance, and emotionally by being a loyal friend that never leaves her side.

Assistance animals help humans everyday in many ways physically, mentally, and emotionally. With the help of George, Bella is able to do things she would not be able to do without him.

Watch the full video below to see just how special George truly is.