De-stress Event
De-stress with hugs, pets, and snuggles from registered therapy animals provided by our Animal-assisted Intervention (AAI) Program.
De-stress with hugs, pets, and snuggles from registered therapy animals provided by our Animal-assisted Intervention (AAI) Program.
Where: Student Center, Front Lawn
When: Thursday, April 30 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Why: Simply petting an animal releases an automatic relaxation response where the participant’s body releases serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, which are all hormones that promote elevated moods (UCLA Health, 2024). These hormones can lower anxiety and promote relaxation. Animal assisted therapy visits reduce loneliness, increases mental stimulation, and simply provide comfort. Physically, participants visiting animals experience slower breathing rates and lower blood pressure. Studies have revealed that animal therapy visits also release hormones like Phenylethylamine which can have the same effect as chocolate! Releasing these “happy hormones” also helps lower anxiety, so people will relax during their visits.
Meet a few of the paw-some friends ready to spread love.
The program prepares individuals for entry level positions in service organizations providing animal interactions.
Handlers: Nicole Hill
Age: 8 months
Breed: Golden Retriever
Fun Facts: The name “Claire” comes from the Latin word “Clarus,” meaning “clear, bright, and distinct.” Claire is all of those and more. She loves playing with her big brother Obi and all of her cat friends. She also loves going to school with me and hanging with her friends Luna and Bobbi Jo. Claire loves taking walks and meeting new people. In fact, she hasn’t met a stranger yet!
Claire loves thoroughly enjoying any body of water she comes across whether it be a puddle or a creek. Being wet and dirty is her middle name!
In the future, Claire and I plan to partner together as an animal handling team for the organization Pet Partners and she’s already making great progress in learning therapy work.
Handler: Hailee Humphries
Age: 9 months
Breed: Texas Heeler
Fun Facts: Luna is a beautiful mix of a bundle of white, black and brown energy. You may enjoy just admiring her beautiful smile. She loves going for rides while sticking her head out the window to watch the world zoom by. Luna plays with her older, but smaller brothers, two chihuahua mixes, Cooper and Charlie. She loves playing in rain puddles, playing tug of war and taking long walks. Luna loves attention and cuddles and she’s always excited to meet a new friend!
Handler: Kim Snyder
Age: 10 months
Breed: Texas Heeler
Fun Facts: Bobbi Jo is full of life and energy! Ever vigilant, she sees it as her duty to oversee all farm operations—nothing gets past her. But don’t let her working dog instincts fool you—she’s always up for a good game of tug-of-war and loves to soak up your affection, admiration, and all the good pets!
She gets along great with her dog friends and siblings, and even has a couple of cat buddies. However, she finds chickens a little too fun to chase.
As a true heeler, Bobbi Jo has a natural herding instinct, which means if you play a game of chase with her, she may try to guide your path with gentle bumps or nips at your heels—just her way of saying, “This way, please!”
Handler: Cassie
Age: 6
Breed: Yorkshire Terrier
Fun Facts: Waylon has two love languages. The first is treats because he loves all food, except for peanut butter. All you need to do is feed him and he will come out of his shell and warm right up! The other is words of affirmation. He loves to be praised and baby talk. Instead of hitting him with the classic Barry White to woo him, all you need to do is talk in a high-pitched baby like tone and he will melt like a popsicle on the 4th of July. Waylon can have cat like tendencies. He loves affection but only when he wants it. When the mood is right, he gives the warmest hugs. He also likes naps and late nights. Waylon is very vocal and determined to get what he wants. His favorite sport and pastime in which he actively participates is wrestling.
Handler: Jayne
Age: 18 years
Breed: Miniature Horse
Fun Facts: Blossom is the sweetest little horse you will ever come across. She never meets a stranger but isn't much for conversation. She prefers to stand and listen and will occasionally doze off. She was a driving horse for a while and showed in various horse shows. Today she is semi-retired and works with a 4H Miniature Horse Club. Her days are spent with Jayne on the farm with several other horses, big and small, a slew of dogs, a small herd of goats, and a cat.
Handler: Debbie
Age: 2
Breed: Applehead Chihuahua
Fun Facts: Zoey is a small dog with a big personality. She loves working with people and making them smile. She enjoys snuggling and playing with her toys in her spare time. She is a little sister to Pixie and Bella. She loves to play tag with Bella and loves to run around the house and cause trouble. She enjoys going for walks downtown or in other crowded areas to get attention. She loves to drive the car. She enjoys sitting on the porch and watching the people walk down the street and the cars go by. If you walk by and don’t speak she will speak to you.
Handlers: Kim and Matthew
Age: 14
Breed: Miniature Horse
Fun Facts: Little Bit may be a little guy, but he has a big personality. He enjoys attention and tries to make himself the center of it when he can. He often can be seen initiating play with his much larger, full-sized horse brothers on the farm. He doesn’t let his small size stop him from having big time fun. Little Bit loves his job as a therapy horse and in his spare time he loves to eat grass and play. He also volunteers with other miniature horses in the Rutherford County 4H Miniature Horse Club where you may see him perform stunts such as jumping over obstacles while dressed as a Top Gun fighter jet.
Handler: Kim
Age: 6
Breed: Canine, Mixed
Fun Facts: Bella is a sweet girl who found her own way to her current home after being abandoned on a deserted section of road. She brings much joy, comfort, and energy to those she meets. She enjoys receiving lots of pets, but may take advantage of the closeness and get a good sniff of her handler’s mouth just to check out what they’ve been eating. When Bella is not involved in therapy visits, she likes exploring on her farm and hiking. Her favorite pastime is chasing those rascally rabbits or squirrels that are ever so difficult to catch. She loves treats and considers pre-washing the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher a very important job that she must not miss.
Handler: April
Age: 5
Breed: Collie Mix
Fun Facts: Water is necessary wherever I am! Time flies when I am in the sun, naps included. I enjoy sharing plenty snacks which keep me cheesy. Crowds of people focused on me could make me the happiest dog ever!
Handler: Cathy
Age: 5
Breed: Australian Shepherd Stockdog
Fun Facts: Cassie has a zest for life and a stockpile of tennis balls. She loves long walks and belly rubs. She will follow you everywhere and her butt never stops wiggling. Cassie is looking for someone who will rub her belly while dispensing treats and occasionally throw a ball. If you love snuggles and kisses, Cassie is your girl!