Farm Animals Bring Joy to Seniors and Veterans in Maryland

Residents at the Brightview Avondell senior living facility in Bel Air, Maryland, welcomed a delightful group of farm animals on Thursday. Miniature horses, including Minnie and Belle, along with other charming creatures, made a special visit as part of the Wellspring of Life Farm’s Mobile Animal Services for Heroes program. This initiative aims to connect active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders with therapeutic animal interactions.

Dawn Leung, the executive director of Wellspring of Life Farm and program coordinator, explained, “We bring them in because we want people to connect with them. It’s a good feeling, but it’s also a wonderful way to work on tactile mobility.” For many residents, this was a unique opportunity, as some had never touched a horse before, while others enjoyed playful interactions with goats.

The presence of these animals created an atmosphere of joy and warmth among the residents. Kathy Deane, a resident at Brightview Avondell, expressed her excitement, saying, “I think it’s really cool. They didn’t get upset, they didn’t do anything. I got to pet them.” Another resident, Doris Lockwood, shared her feelings, stating, “I love it. It’s like being at home. She’s a beautiful little girl.”

Supporting Veterans Through Animal Therapy

The visit also held significant meaning for Army veteran Ray Columbo, who highlighted the benefits of the program for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Columbo noted that interacting with animals can provide a sense of calm and peace that sometimes eludes human interactions. “(The animals) help give them a sense of calm, peace, connection. Oftentimes, humans can’t provide that. Animals don’t talk back and they do provide that sense of calm and peace,” he remarked.

The initiative seeks to enhance the well-being of both seniors and veterans through these meaningful interactions. Wellspring of Life Farm is currently looking for more volunteers to aid in this important work. Leung emphasized the dual benefits of the program, stating, “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a wonderful way to get healing and get back to others.”

The animals from Wellspring of Life Farm are versatile and can visit various locations, including hospitals. Those interested in arranging a visit from the Mobile Animal Services for Heroes program can find more information on the farm’s website.

This heartwarming event not only brought smiles but also underscored the profound impact that animal therapy can have on individuals of all ages, especially those facing unique challenges.