ABSTRACT
The biophilia hypothesis posits an innate connection with earth; a connection to nature (Frumpkin, as cited in Fine, 2019). Perhaps that is why many feel a unique inner relationship to water, trees, or wildlife. For me, it has been felt most strongly as a bond with animals. This connection guided me to co-found and operate a non-profit animal hospice for abused and neglected animals. For more than 20 years we travelled with animals toward a life from fear and pain into one of resilience and peace, as they learned to trust again. Some journeyed their lifetimes. Others did not have enough time. All were precious. This experience led me to explore animal assisted activities and interventions while studying to become a licensed clinical professional counselor, design and teach graduate level coursework, and present at conferences and other institutions, addressing animal assisted therapies, activities, and interventions from the perspective of not only potential therapeutic modalities and benefits, but also the welfare of the co-therapist. I have been fortunate to have Emmie, my CTP, to journey with clients in private practice. It is why I feel passionate about sharing in this work.
