Ever since Jonalyn started hippotherapy, I’ve been convinced of the amazing effect animals can have on a special needs child. Actually, I was amazed beforehand.

Jonalyn has always loved our dog. She had to get used to the one we had when she first came home, but that happened very quickly. And she didn’t miss a beat when we adopted Kylie.

It is her job to feed the dog, one she takes seriously, making sure Kylie is sitting before she gets to go to her bowl. She will spend hours laying on the floor doing who knows what to the dog and giggling like you’ve never heard anyone giggle before. (Yes, we are blessed to have a dog who is so good and patient with Jonalyn. We’ve been thinking to add another furry member of the family, and our main criteria is that the dog would have to be a saint.)

They’ve been having a therapy dog come in and visit Jonalyn at school.

What a great idea! She loves reading to the dog and has so much fun. She relates well to the dog and Bella (that’s the dog) gives Jonalyn confidence when reading. And did you notice Jonalyn’s hand on Bella’s head???

Have you had any experience with therapy animals? Have you witnessed the effect they have on people?