Animal Assisted Therapy for Children in Guatemala

Veterinary Update:

These past few months, Mo´os has been swimming a lot! Although he loves the water, the vet noticed that he suffered from water related allergies. After prescribing a medication and a thorough oatmeal bath, Mo’os can return to his usual lake swimming without suffering from allergies.

In late June, Mo’os will be going to the vet again for his annual vaccines to prevent diseases.

Difficulties:

• One of the main challenges we’ve faced this quarter has been transportation with our therapy dog Mo’ss. Some of the communities were we work are over 50 km away and is not always possible to find a dog friendly method of transportation!

Advances:

• The children in animal therapy recognize and wait patiently for their turn to work with Mo’os
• Children are more motivated to finish activities because they get to reward Mo’os with a treat afterwards.
• Families have expressed their gratitude for animal therapy and many more families have inquired about the possibility of entering the program.
• Many children have achieved socialization through their work with Mo’os.
• One child in Cerro de Oro is now able to control his aggressive behavior with the help of physical therapy exercises with Mo’os

Conclusion:

Working with Mo’os in animal therapy is an extraordinary experience. To see the good that he brings to children’s emotional and physical wellbeing is truly heartwarming. Mo’os is well known in the communities where we work and receives a warm community welcome when he arrives. We continue to be grateful for the support we have received for this project as it allows to keep up with Mo’os medical and transportation expenses.

Featured Story: Rosita Lux Sicay

Rosita lives in Cerro de Oro, a small town on the shore of lake Atitlán. Her six other brothers and sisters are all married so she lives alone with her mother. One of her older sister supports her and her mother. At the beginning of her therapy, Rosita was aggressive with the other kids and very jealous when they worked with Mo’os (she lovingly calls him “Papo”). With time however, she has learned to control her behavior and socialize with others. She is now able to work alongside other children together in animal therapy. She loves working with Mo’os and is delighted when Mo’os gives her a proper doggy handshake!

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