G.O.A.T. Program

Go out and thrive

People of all ages benefit from spending time in nature and in the company of animals. Studies show the physiological and psychological benefits present when the opportunity to immerse patients fully in the living world is provided.

“From a physical point of view, animal assisted therapy improves fine motor skills, the use of a wheelchair, and the maintenance of equilibrium when standing” (Zasloff 1994) Additional numerous studies document that the bond between animals and patients improves mobility and muscle strength. (Joffre 2005)

Within the G.O.A.T. Program, patients will have the opportunity to improve range of motion through activities including; brushing and grooming, walking animals while using their assistive device, and assisting in feeding and watering animals. These activities provide the added benefit of increasing the patients’ feeling of self worth.

Opportunities for patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other disorders that affect vocal cord strength include exercising full vocal range and strength by calling the animals to the barn or various pastures. The rural nature of the rescue grounds facilitates increased confidence in vocal practices without the perceived negative effects of an urban landscape.

Reduction in pain, aggression, and rage have also been reported as a direct result of interaction with therapy animals. (Barker 2003) (Pain Med 2012 Jan) “ A single 30 minute session of AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) per week for 6 weeks significantly reduces loneliness as measured by the UCLA LS and was as effective as three sessions per week.” (Banks The Journals of Gerontology; July 2002) Based on this data, patients could visit Shepherd’s Rest once per week for a 6 week term, with the option to continue if the patient and caregiver desire.

Each patient will have an individualized plan of care laying out goals and approaches for the animal assisted therapy sessions. These goals would be reviewed every two weeks and updated as needed in the written plan of care.

In addition to physical benefits, psychosocial benefits have been documented from AAT including; reduction in blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels; increase in emotional well-being and social interaction; increase in motivation; improvement in attention, concentration and self-esteem, and reduction in anxiety.

“Animals are able to induce and mediate physiologically de-arousing states of anxiety and arousal. Animals are also suitable as mediators of human social interactions, and are capable of providing people with a kind of stress-buffering support. Animals reinforce self efficacy-the person’s belief that they can successfully accomplish a task or cope with a situation.” (ANN 1st Supra Sanita 2011; Vol 47, No 4)

Veterans, domestic abuse survivors, and other trauma survivors, including individuals suffering from PTSD and post-Covid Syndromes, will benefit from interaction with the animals, who convey to them a sense of appreciation for their care and can meet them, emotionally, where they are without judgement. AAT sessions can be scheduled for anywhere from 30-minute focused sessions to unstructured sessions involving direct animal care. All sessions are focused on goals established with their therapy team in their individualized plan of care.

“Putting animals and people together in a way that is healing for both” is the core mission of Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue. Through the Animal Assisted Therapy Program, we believe we can create an impact that echoes in the lives of our clients far beyond the boundaries of the rescue.