The therapeutic quality of animals.

 

There's something very therapeutic about animals.I don't know what it is,maybe it's the fact that they love you unconditionally.They don't care what your I.Q. is or whether you can walk or talk or see or hear.They just love you no matter what.

 

            Ariel and ShiFu picking and eating blackberries.



There are many places that offer therapeutic horseback riding.Ariel got to ride horses at Give Kids The World when she was on her Make A Wish trip.

 
For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The sense of independence found on horseback benefits all who ride. The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Individuals of all ages, with a wide range of physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities benefit from therapeutic horseback riding and other equine activities. The types of disabilities and conditions served include:

• Amputee
• Autism
• Brain Injuries
• Cardiovascular Accident/Stroke
• Cerebral Palsy
• Chemical Abuse
• Down Syndrome
• Emotional Disabilities
• Hearing Impairments
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Retardation
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Post Polio Speech Impairments
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Visual Impairments

Service dogs are also wonderful for those with disabilities.There are service dogs that help with the blind,the autistic,the disabled and those that are bred especially to service those individuals with seizures.Such as the ones that the http://www.chelseahutchisonfoundation.org/

Helps to provide people with.They can help during a seizure and some of the dogs can even alert that a seizure is coming.

We had been looking into something to do.Ariel is severely cognitively impaired,so this took some thought.I was looking into volunteer work and Ariel was the one that chimed up and said what about working at the zoo?


I looked into it and totally believe God opened this door for us.The day I called and talked with Stacey she said "come on in for an interview." After a five hour training class we have been working there ever since and it has been such a blessing.Ariel comes alive around animals.

Some of our best times have been working at the zoo.We've done Santa dives with the sharks,making Budgie sticks,Zoo Boo,working at The Harbor Seals and Walrus tanks,Sting Ray Cove toucch tank,guiding vet tours.You name it we've pretty much done it and loved every minute of it.Here are some videos with Ariel telling you about the animals.




When Ariel got so very sick in Feb and spent approximately eight weeks inpatient.She couldn't work at her beloved zoo and so I was trying to think of something to come up with for her,for those times she can't work at the zoo and so that's why we created
 
                               Ariel's Ark

           https://facebook.com/ArielsArk 
 she can tell you all about her beloved animals.She may have a lot of disabilities,but she is all heart,especially when it comes to her animals,she would love for you to stop by and say hi,like or share her page and maybe put on a picture of your favorite animal or pet.

Schedule of events at Ariel's Ark.

Hello friend ,well today is

 

 

                           At Ariel's Ark.

Where we give you a few interesting animal facts and see if you all have some to share as well.We will also be adding a bit of
 

as well.

So here's the schedule:

 

 

                                                                          Monday:Guess the animal day.Where we put up a partial picture and you try and figure out what it is.

 

 

Tuesday:Share your favorite zoo or pet sanctuary or animal place day.

We would love to see pics or get links of your favorite place to visit and see different animals.We share some of our favorite animal places as well as highlight some amazing folks that work with animals.

 

Wednesday:Your fabulous pets day.

What kind of pet do you have what makes them special to you? Do they have any special tricks they perform.Send us your pictures and stories and we will feature your pets.

 

Thursday:Your favorite animal book or movie day.What makes this book or movie special and why?Also animals in books and movies trivia. 

 

Friday:Fun Fact Friday with a bit of Grossology mixed in.If you have any fascinating or amazing animal facts to share we'd love to see them.

 

Saturday: Animal in the spotlight and ask the audience questions.Giving facts and information about an animal that's apotlighted and asking you the audience some questions.

 Sunday is recipe day.Tasty treats for you and your pets. 

So come on over to Ariel's Ark and join in the fun.

https://facebook.com/ArielsArk

Ariel's Ark

If you haven't been there yet,please stop by and visit Ariel's Ark https://facebook.com/ArielsArk


We created this page for Ariel to share her love of animals.She was feeling so blue for the fact that a lot of times she can't work at the zoo,because she just feels too poorly.So at least she has this outlet.

 

Please like her page,share it and if you can post an animal picture she would love it!
Thank you!!!!!!

Ariel's 19th Birthday.

 

 

Wow I can't believe my baby girl is 19 years old.Where did the time go? Considering Ariel has had such a hard time recently and spent a good over 6 weeks inpatient we really wanted to make things special for her this birthday.

Our family doesn't usually celebrate birthdays but instead we tend to celebrate birth weeks ,where the person gets taken out on several outings by different members of the family.

 

So on Ariel's actual birthday May 15th we went to the theatre to see Iron Man 3 in the Dbox.Ariel has always wanted to do this.You sit in these chairs and they shake you around all over the place.

Besides the giant puppy she also got flowers and cupcakes.Then we started preparing for the big party.We had decided to do pirates and princesses this year.I was getting very concerned,because the weather was supposed to be questionable at best,but it turned out to be okay.A sprinkle here and there,but it was not bad and we had a lot of fun.


              The kids and I spent a lot of time decorating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We played a lot of fun games.Water balloon toss,egg on a   spoon races,ducks in the pond,pitch the penny in the cup,walk the plank,just a bunch of things.

 

 

 

 

                    We also had a barbecue and lots of food.

     

                                  Fishing for ducks.

                          Ariel's cousins Randy and Chloe.

 

 

Ariel's awesome cakes.Disney princesses and Jack Sparrow.

                                       Make A Wish.

 The Lanier Family made this awesome treasure chest for   Ariel.It was filled with all sorts of awesome things.

          My wonderful friend Dianna did face painting for me.

 

Sunday after Ariel's party I took her to the tea house for lunch.She was looking so good and happy. 

That evening at church the pastor had everyone sing Ariel happy birthday.We also shared cake with everyone.Ariel had a wonderful birthday and certainly felt loved.Thank you to everyone that shared it with her and made her feel special.