Kevin had just received the news of his father’s death.  It was animal program day, so although he was reserved, he still came to the barn.  It was incredible to see the response of his horse, Zorro, who is usually quite the rambunctious one.  I looked over to see Zorro softly nuzzling Kevin’s face and even to hold his face next to Kevin in a horse hug!  The friendship that had developed between those two was in action on that day that a friend was so much needed.

Being shifted from home to home and school to school doesn’t offer much stability or a good basis for future parenting skills.  We had the opportunity to bring a three-week old heifer calf to Promise Village to live, but she would need a dedicated caregiver.  Angelo learned about being there for a young animal that was totally dependent on his care for twice daily bottle feedings.  For three months Angelo was a faithful “foster parent” to Carmella and learned basic nurturing and care giving skills that he will use in the future with his own family. What a bond developed between those two!  Although Angelo has left our program, he still comes back frequently for visits and when he does a red and white heifer welcomes him with a big mooooo!

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Lyle came to visit Promise Village to interview for possible placement.  He had a lousy attitude and really didn’t want to be there.  In fact, he really didn’t want to do anything- not school, not church, and didn’t want to show respect for his family.  Life had dealt him some serious and unfortunate blows.  Lyle always had an interest in birds and was intrigued by Kelly Green, our Indian ring neck, and even asked if he could hold her.  Barriers broke down and Lyle began to think that maybe this would be a good place to come for healing.  Lyle did come to Promise Village and a transformation occurred.  Kelly Green fell in love with Lyle and Pepper, our African Grey parrot still calls Lyle’s name!  Lyle also did incredible working with the horses and frightened our farm director nearly to death one day when she turned around and saw Lyle lying on the floor under Fuego’s legs as he calmly trimmed the hair about the hoof line in preparation for a show.  A leaf blowing could startle this horse!  But, as in so many situations, our Creator had prepared this animal for his very special job at Promise Village and he stood quietly for his haircut!  Lyle has gone home from our program and is attending school, church and has just started a part-time after school job.

Jon came to Promise Village with lots of family problems.  He adjusted well and enjoyed chores in the barn.  Jon was serious about his responsibilities in the barn even though he really didn’t enjoy riding the horses (which is usually our incentive for doing the barn chores!) Jon even requested to be our barn supervisor and with the skills he acquired he later was able to obtain a job in a local horse boarding operation. Although horses may not be his lifetime career, he learned valuable life lessons for future employment.

Joshua came into our program after suffering abuse in a home situation.  He found Ginger, a Tenn. Walker/ Quarter Horse cross, to be a loving faithful friend and really enjoyed riding her.  Just before he left the program his last request was to be able to ride Ginger one more time.  Of course, that request was granted just one hour before he was picked up to go home!  Many times the most tearful farewells are in the barn as the guys are ready to leave the program.  The unconditional love shown by these creatures can tear down years of barriers.  Thank you God for giving them to us as examples to learn from!

Our daily chores with the animals are performed by the children.  In the summer, always on the hottest day of the year, you can find our guys working in the hayfield bringing in what will feed the animals in the winter!  And on the coldest day of the year you can find them carrying water to replace the bucket that was frozen.  They learn the lessons of responsibility that goes along with the privileges they receive from the animals.

Listen to audio animal assisted therapy success stories.