Sunshine Friends, Inc. provides a variety of Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy services as well as educational programs. Our goal is to provide continuing, quality pet therapy and pet visitation to fit the needs of the community we serve. SFI programs can be broken down into four main areas:

ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY (A.A.T.)

Animal Assisted Therapy is the use of specially trained and temperament tested animals in cooperation with a health care professional in the process of healing or rehabilitation of the body, mind or spirit of an individual. The individual may be unable to successfully function within their own environment or may be better motivated to participate in their treatment and therefore increase their success in the rehabilitative process when animals are introduced as part of their treatment regime. A.A.T. is goal directed with a specific expected outcome and is a documented source of medical and/or emotional treatment that can be utilized in a variety of settings. The end result for the patient, resident or client may be increased success of treatment demonstrating improved well-being of the body, mind or spirit.

If done correctly, animal assisted therapy should be a positive experience for all involved. For example; the healthcare professional should have documented progress towards an expected goal for the patient being treated; the volunteer should feel great about what they are able to give back to the community and the animal will have thoroughly enjoyed the love and attention they have just receive from the person they visited. Everyone wins!

Sunshine Friends, Inc volunteers and their pets participate in A.A.T. programs at local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. To participate in the A.A.T. programs, SFI dogs must have the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Certification (see links for more information on the CGC) as well as the SFI Pet Therapy Certification. Dogs may be required to go thru additional screening in order to more appropriately match the individual patient's needs.

ANIMAL ASSISTED ACTIVITIES (A.A.A.)

Animal Assisted Activities is the use of specially trained and temperament tested animals as part of a social activity program, purely for the pleasure of those receiving the visits. A.A.A. though therapeutic in nature, is not goal directed and does not require the involvement of a licensed or certified professional to facilitate the session. Animal Assisted Activities are provided to individuals that have a desire to experience the unconditional love of a well-trained animal that loves to visit with people, be petted, talked to and pampered without reserve.

Like A.A.T., Animal Assisted Activities should be a positive experience for everyone involved, whether it be the client, handler, pet, family or staff. The individual receiving the pet visit must be open to socializing with the animals and interact at what ever level they desire or are able to manage.

A.A.A. programs are the main focus of Sunshine Friends, Inc. It is the service that the organization was founded on providing and it is where we continue to place much importance and resources. SFI volunteers currently provide pet visits to the following:

• Nursing Homes
• Enriched Living Facilities
• Assisted-Living Facilities
• Hospitals
• Adult Day Care Centers
• Group Homes
• Children's Organizations

YOUTH READING PROGRAMS

While still fairly new, programs in which children read to dogs is becoming increasingly popular. The premise is that children have the opportunity to improve their literary skills by reading out loud to a non-judgmental canine ear. The child reading does not have to fear criticism from peers or adults if they make a mistake and at the very least the canine presence provides motivation for reading.

The youth reading program could be considered a form of Animal Assisted Therapy when a teacher sets aside reading goals for each child and documents the child's level of reading before, after and during ongoing sessions with the dogs.

In most cases the youth reading program is considered an Animal Assisted Activity and is carried out in an informal, relaxed setting. Sunshine Friends, Inc. volunteers bring their dogs to an growing number of local area libraries and schools.

As with the A.A.T. programs, dogs are required to have the SFI & CGC certifications and may go through additional screening to make sure they have the right temperament for this type of relaxed setting.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Sunshine Friends, Inc believes that education is a key factor to the success of any community service program. SFI works in conjunction with other community groups to educate the public about the many benefits of A.A.A. and A.A.T. as well as general pet care through presentations and outreaches.

Sunshine Friends, Inc. educators present regularly to schools, medical professionals, health services support groups, dog clubs, animals groups or wherever there is a desire to learn more about therapeutic pet activities.

SFI also provides free seminars and presentations to its volunteers. Topics in the past have included; obedience training, pet nutrition, pet first aid, Alzheimer's disease and tips for a successful pet visit session.

If you are interested in having someone from Sunshine Friends, Inc. speak to your group, please call (315) 457-7622.