The following post comes to us from guest blogger Dr. Samuel Ross. Dr. Ross is the founder of Green Chimneys, a non-profit organization serving special needs children and injured or abandoned animals.

If you don’t believe in animal magic, you haven’t looked closely enough.

I’ve been fortunate to see that magic work for hundreds of special needs children in thousands of ways for over 60 years. Andrei, an eight-year-old Russian orphan adopted by American parents, suffered from “reactive attachment disorder” and expressed it with frequent and violent outbursts. However, after two years of nurturing a host of animals – cows, sheep, horses, dogs, hawks and emus – Andrei found peace.

Seven-year-old Ashley, suffering profound separation anxiety and selectively mute, found her voice through the care, love and nurturing of Romeo, a horse that had been painfully neglected. Entire groups of children in our care exude confidence discovered through their successful training of Labrador puppies, preparing them to work with the physically disabled.

The magical and therapeutic healing power of animals – for all of us – is unquestionable. There are endless studies and even more first-hand examples. What is behind this incredible healing power?

From my observations, it’s the little things animals do and the incredible way they make us feel. It’s the inquisitive nature of miniature horses that we find simply irresistible or the curious nibbles of a goat that brings a smile. It’s the tremendous pride that’s instilled from taking care of another living thing. Animals are not judgmental – we can relax and let go of our anxieties in their presence. We experience self-esteem after they master a new trick. Perhaps more than anything, caring for animals lets all of us connect with the best part of ourselves, the healthy part.

Those of us who love and respect children and animals are thrilled when a company likes Halo, Purely for Pets, comes along and shares our values. The company has been our “corporate angel,” supporting and nurturing our programs with great warmth and sincerity.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 at 7:41 am and is filed under Giving Back, Guest Blogger, Pet Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.