| Portneuf Kennels and the Cat House |
| Fox at the Ridge Wind Assisted Living Center |
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The Delta Society
Mare Wisdom...Respect the Elders
The first time I saw Fox I felt an instant, electric connection. I was horse shopping
and had decided to take a look at this mare. I fell in love with her beautiful head
and soft eyes and I knew I would be taking this mare home. It may have been a
foolish way to pick a horse but I've never regretted my decision. I had to follow my
heart...something told me this mare would change my life and take me on an
adventure.
I read about a Delta Society training class in the paper. I had heard about the Delta
Pet Partners and I wondered if they would consider a horse. I signed up for the
class and learned that each animal has to successfully complete a health, skills and
aptitude screening. The Delta Society's mission is to promote animals helping
people improve their health, independence and quality of life.
After a day long training class I knew what I had to teach Fox to pass the evaluation.
I borrowed a wheelchair and a walker and after some practice I decided Fox was
ready for her evaluation. I met the evaluation team early on a Saturday morning and
Fox amazed everyone, passing with almost a perfect score. All that was left was a
vet check and the paperwork approval from the Delta Society. Our official badges
soon arrived in the mail.
Fox showed her wisdom on her first visit to an assisted living center. I watched as
she lowered her head to a lady in a wheel chair and gently asked for interaction.
Then she stood like a rock as a gentleman let go of his walker and leaned on her so
he could brush her mane. She had reached these people and she was treating
them as individuals. When she "smiled" and everyone giggled like children I knew
she was going to be good at this new job.
As our visits have continued the number of people that come outside for Fox has
increased. While Fox "visits" with the residents I hold the rope, answer questions
and listen to horse stories of long ago.
I watch in amazement as Fox "visits" with kindness, compassion and humor. The
way she interacts is nothing I could have trained her to do. She truly enjoys visiting
with people.
Thru this experience I have learned to respect and trust my horse. Thru her "mare
wisdom" I have learned to respect the elders...each one has a story to tell...we just
have to listen.
Tina
For more information about the Delta Society :
www.deltasociety.org
The first time I saw Fox I felt an instant, electric connection. I was horse shopping
and had decided to take a look at this mare. I fell in love with her beautiful head
and soft eyes and I knew I would be taking this mare home. It may have been a
foolish way to pick a horse but I've never regretted my decision. I had to follow my
heart...something told me this mare would change my life and take me on an
adventure.
I read about a Delta Society training class in the paper. I had heard about the Delta
Pet Partners and I wondered if they would consider a horse. I signed up for the
class and learned that each animal has to successfully complete a health, skills and
aptitude screening. The Delta Society's mission is to promote animals helping
people improve their health, independence and quality of life.
After a day long training class I knew what I had to teach Fox to pass the evaluation.
I borrowed a wheelchair and a walker and after some practice I decided Fox was
ready for her evaluation. I met the evaluation team early on a Saturday morning and
Fox amazed everyone, passing with almost a perfect score. All that was left was a
vet check and the paperwork approval from the Delta Society. Our official badges
soon arrived in the mail.
Fox showed her wisdom on her first visit to an assisted living center. I watched as
she lowered her head to a lady in a wheel chair and gently asked for interaction.
Then she stood like a rock as a gentleman let go of his walker and leaned on her so
he could brush her mane. She had reached these people and she was treating
them as individuals. When she "smiled" and everyone giggled like children I knew
she was going to be good at this new job.
As our visits have continued the number of people that come outside for Fox has
increased. While Fox "visits" with the residents I hold the rope, answer questions
and listen to horse stories of long ago.
I watch in amazement as Fox "visits" with kindness, compassion and humor. The
way she interacts is nothing I could have trained her to do. She truly enjoys visiting
with people.
Thru this experience I have learned to respect and trust my horse. Thru her "mare
wisdom" I have learned to respect the elders...each one has a story to tell...we just
have to listen.
Tina
For more information about the Delta Society :
www.deltasociety.org
All Content(c)Copyright 2006 Portneuf Kennels All Rights Reserved
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