ABSTRACT

The Gifts We Receive from Animals is a book guaranteed to brighten a reader’s day. Professionals engaged in therapy work as well as those who have companion animals at home will enjoy learning about the many ways in which animals impact people’s lives. Through a series of short, true-life stories, written by professionals engaged in animal assisted interventions, The Gifts We Receive from Animals reminds readers of the core essence of the human animal bond and the reason behind the growing phenomenon of animal assisted interventions. Readers will learn, for example, about the young child who shares her inner most thoughts with a dog and, as a result, learns how to talk with people; the soldier who feels comfortable and safe with a dog, a feeling he has been lacking since active duty; and the elderly adult who works through difficult physical therapy because of his therapy dog. The Gifts We Receive from Animals takes readers on a delightful journey, offering insights into the unique impact animals have in the lives of those they help.

part 1|25 pages

Large Animals

chapter 1|3 pages

Freedom

chapter 2|3 pages

A Children's Riding Lesson

How Therapeutic Riding Helped a Boy to Find His Voice

chapter 7|3 pages

When the Cute Factor Becomes Something More

How a Mini Donkey Taught Me the Power of the Human-Animal Bond

part 2|25 pages

Small Animals

chapter 13|3 pages

Sullivan Anne

From Abandoned Rabbit to Beloved Campus Pet Therapy Animal

chapter 14|3 pages

Can I Take Chophie Home?

The Simple Joys of Having Animal Co-Therapists

chapter 16|3 pages

Who Are You?

part 5|32 pages

Children, Young Adults and College Students

part 6|29 pages

Adults

chapter 46|3 pages

Jaeger's Gifts

chapter 49|3 pages

Miss Emmie

A Big “Braveheart” in a Tiny Package

chapter 50|3 pages

Being and Becoming

The Transformative Power and Resilience of Person-Canine Bonds

chapter 51|3 pages

Pinella's Purpose

chapter 53|3 pages

You Are Here

chapter 54|3 pages

Humanimal Connection in the Counseling Room

Where Lester the Dachshund Partner Weaves an Interspecies Bond