Anyone who has ever had an animal friend will verify the healing benefits of associating with their furred, feathered, or finned companions. When children or adults with special needs interact with a dog, cat, horse, dolphin or other animal, their life is often transformed and their quality of life improved. Animals live in the moment and inspire humans to do the same. They posses an innate psychic ability that allows them to tune in to our human brainwaves and naturally help us heal. People with pets have been shown to have reduced levels of stress, depression, and heart problems.

The healing power of animals has inspired many animal assisted therapy programs. Whether it is a horse, dolphin, or dog, animals can provide benefits in several ways to individuals with physical, cognitive or psychological disabilities. They may experience increased strength and balance, improved body awareness, and enhanced self-esteem. The positive relationship that develops between and animal and a human presents opportunities for the development of trust and social growth.

Dugan Hench, aka Dugan Doodle, is a well known and much sought after volunteer in the Lexington community, and one of my favorite clients. Dugan, with the help of his human, Elizabeth Hench, visits nursing homes hospitals, libraries and schools to provide emotional support.  He plays many roles and holds degrees in agility and obedience. He teaches children how to act safely around dogs, and particularly enjoys helping children improves their reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: having children read to him. Of course Dugan Doodle is not just any dog. He is a Certified Therapy Dog through Love on a Leash and participates in the Reading Education Assistance Dogs program. Hench says, “Dugan, is a natural healer and intuitive.  He has the ability to put a smile on someone’s face, make his or her day a little brighter, and brings back a cherished memory.”

When Dugan is resting from his humanitarian work, he takes time out to receive his own healing through animal communicators, animal massage therapists, and animal energy workers. Dugan Doodle, says ‘there is nothing like 30 minutes of uninterrupted healing attention. To have gifted practitioner’s work out my aches and tension, help me maintain balance and optimum health so I can continue putting a smile on people’s faces.”