One of the best things we do with the animals is animal-assisted therapy. Our pony mare, Serendipity's Savannah, has just the disposition you look for in a therapy animal. She has gone on visits with Vickie inside nursing homes and has been on display at horse fairs and feed stores representing the Connemara breed. Savannah's instincts and her confidence in Vickie help her determine just how much interaction is called for in a given situation. For residents who are mobile and talkative, she will reach forward in greeting or check their walker baskets for treats. For the resident who is bedridden, she will stand ever so quietly and wait while her mane is stroked or her halter is grabbed in enthusiasm. Vickie and Savannah are working on their registration with the Delta Society as a pet-partner team.

The llamas also make superb partners in animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy. Their presence in the classroom can help children focus on instructional activities and improve retention of material. A llama making a visit to a long-term care facility can lift the spirits of residents and be very motivational to those learning or relearning life skills.

In first photo: Travis, Jennifer and Col. Sparks (dog) say hello to Savannah, Connemara pony from Dawn of Promise Farm, when she makes a visit to St. Anthony's. Second photo: Cindy, recovering from surgery, greets SVL Lovely Llana who came by to cheer her up on a winter day. Photos used with permission.

Visit our blog about the llamas and check out the archive on therapy.