Little Warriors Animal Assisted Therapy

The Cause

The Animal-Assisted Therapy Program at the Be Brave Ranch by Little Warriors is designed to support the healing journey of children who have experienced sexual abuse. This trauma-informed program integrates therapy animals, including dogs and small animals, into the therapeutic process to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support.

Our therapy animals play a vital role in helping children who struggle with trust, emotional regulation, and anxiety due to trauma. The animals offer unconditional love and a non-judgmental presence, allowing the children to engage in their recovery journey with added confidence. Many children find it easier to connect with animals, which helps them express their feelings and begin to rebuild trust with others.

Over 170 children are expected to participate in the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program this year. The requested funds will help expand and sustain the program by covering essential needs such as animal care (food, vet care), the setup of spaces for additional small animals, building repairs, and the acquisition of new therapy animals. These contributions are crucial to ensuring that the program can continue offering meaningful emotional and psychological support to the children we serve.

Who Will it Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of this program are children aged 8-17 who are survivors of sexual abuse. These children, who participate in treatment at the Be Brave Ranch, are often burdened with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and low self-esteem due to their trauma. Through interactions with therapy animals, these children can experience a sense of calm, trust, and comfort, which aids in their emotional recovery.

This program is expected to impact over 170 children who visit the Be Brave Ranch in Northern Alberta and participate in the animal assisted program. The therapy animals help these children build trust, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms that are crucial to their long-term recovery. The children will gain emotional resilience and skills to help them reintegrate into their families, schools, and communities.

Additionally, the broader community benefits from the program as we partner with local veterinary services and animal care suppliers in Northern Alberta, fostering collaboration and contributing to the local economy. The program also offers volunteer opportunities, further involving the community and creating a broader support network for these children.