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Bunnies provide therapy for children
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Jill Williams (left) and Sassy Pickard read stories to children and showed their bunnies during the ‘Bunnies in Baskets’ event at the Beyond Expectations South Bridge Therapy and Learning Center July 18.
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Frisky Ferrets, Fuzzies and Feathered Friends Rescue and Sanctuary employee, Sassy Pickard (left), showed Cadyn Slatter how to gently pet bunny, Sara, at Beyond Expectations South Bridge Therapy & Learning Center July 18.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Betty Malenio (left), Victor Berlon, Doreen Hunter, and Patrick Berlon were excited to pet bunnies and hear stories at the Beyond Expectations South Bridge Therapy and Learning Center.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Xannah Zaveson showed her compassionate side as she hugged bunny, Sara, during ‘Bunnies in Baskets’ at the Beyond Expectations South Bridge Therapy and Learning Center July 18.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Osiron Talbott rested in his mother’s arms while he listened to story about bunnies at Beyond Expectations South Bridge Therapy and Learning Center July 18.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Contrary to belief, bunnies can do much more than hop and eat carrots.
Bunnies Sara and Cassie proved that they can also provide therapy for children and adults during Beyond Expectations Speech Therapy’s “Bunnies in Baskets” event July 17.
While anxious children gathered to pet and hug the animals, each bunny remained still throughout the entire experience. According to Bunnies in Baskets employee Sassy Pickard, this is due to rigorous training that can sometimes last up to six months. Some bunnies are even trained to behave in a specific way by the garments they wear.
“These animals are certified therapy animals. They are trained for six months. The bunnies can teach kids to be nice to animals and it gives them a sense of responsibility. The bunnies instill a sense of calmness to people and make them feel relaxed, and makes people happy,” said Pickard.
Children listened during story time and could barely sit still when the animals arrived. The event not only provided an outlet for children, but also gave parents an opportunity to allow their children to interact with animals.
“I wanted to do something where all children felt welcome as well as show the community what unique programs we have to offer. I think the bunnies can calm them, help them focus and also provide a good sensory input,” said Andrea Moore, owner of Beyond Expectations Speech Therapy.
Moore was excited to provide a new experience for children and their parents, and was happy with the outcome of the event.
“I think it was great. We had a great turnout and it was great to see clients and the community,” Moore said.