For the last 26 years, Animals as Natural Therapy has provided an amazing resource for Whatcom County – animal-guided mental and behavioral programs rooted in both clinical treatments and the understanding that animals can teach important life skills. For at-risk youth, veterans, and elders, ANT’s programs are life-changing. It’s a chance for vulnerable folks to take time to just breathe in a space with no judgment, to learn about clear communication and boundaries, and to be loved in a world that is undeniably overwhelming.
The feedback that ANT gets from participants really highlights just how important their work is. Elders at local nursing homes light up seeing the animals come through for visits, often telling ANT about the farms they grew up on or the animals they had throughout their life. Even during the beginning of the COVID pandemic, ANT was able to safely bring joy to otherwise isolated nursing home residents and staff by doing window visits. After one session at the farm, an ANT youth remarked that “Today with my horse taught me to be more confident in myself and others, and things will turn out alright. And if they don’t, then don’t give up because there’s always another day.”
There are so, so many other stories like the ones above that share how important the work that ANT does. But this work is being threatened by a lack of funding and the farm is at risk of closing. According to ANT, operating costs have risen, grants have shrunk, and donations have slowed. With 25 rescued and adopted animals, ANT has their hands full making sure their animals are well cared for. Because of that, they are at risk of closing, an act that will affect the thousands of people they help every year, the animals they care for, and the staff who make this amazing work happen.
So if you can, please help their current fundraiser happening right now and if possible, become a recurring donor! They also recently opened an online store with shirts, hoodies, and other goodies featuring their logo. By supporting Animals as Natural Therapy, you are directly helping people and animals alike.
This is an organization near and dear to my heart. I’ve seen firsthand how much the staff love the animals they care for and how much good they do for the community. In a world full of overwhelming chaos, Animals as Natural Therapy provides a safe place for folks who are experiencing incredible difficulties to process what’s going on and learn how to care for themselves and others.
