Watch

Veterans Find Healing Through Animal Therapy

Creator:
Published:
March 6, 2024
August 9, 2018
At this animal rescue center, these veterans find healing through animal therapy. Watch as this veteran describes how the parrots form a unique relationship with the veterans.|At this animal rescue center, these veterans find healing through animal therapy. Watch as this veteran describes how the parrots form a unique relationship with the veterans.

At Lockwood Animal Rescue Center, veterans who suffer from depression and PTSD are offered a unique therapy with the animals.

"One of our big concerns is that the suicide rate is so high," Matt Simmons shares. "We have nine veterans currently enrolled in the program — and that's half the daily casualty rate that get a chance to heal."

Video Transcript

Matt Simmons: One of our big concerns is that the suicide rate is so high. There's 22 veterans a day that commit suicide through clinical depression, PTSD, untreated war wounds that are on the inside. We have nine veterans currently enrolled in the program. So, that's half a day's daily causality rate.

Lockwood Animal Rescue Center offers an unusual encounter between veterans and parrots. These parrots are bringing healing, companionship, and unexpected friendship.

Matt: They get a chance to heal. And what we find is, for many, the veterans that work here, the birds become part of the therapy. So, their clinician says, "Hey, how you doing today?" And you're like, "Well, you know what? Julius is having a really hard time today." And what that really means is, ‘I'm having a hard time. Julius is my companion. I'm using him to express my emotions, because it's safe for me.’

The birds understand you from the moment you get here. They want to interact with you. They want to be part of your life. They can feel your depression. It doesn't ... doesn't get any better than this to learn how to heal, outside the brick and mortar, and all the fluorescent lights of the hospital.

Huh? Yes, I know. You're a great therapist. You're the best.

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
March 6, 2024
August 9, 2018
On a related note...
Are You in a Codependent Relationship with Netflix?

Are You in a Codependent Relationship with Netflix?

Hunter Cates

How to Avoid Losing Your Mind on Dating Apps

How to Avoid Losing Your Mind on Dating Apps

Stephanie DePrez

College Can Be Overwhelming — These Insights Can Help

College Can Be Overwhelming — These Insights Can Help

Grotto Shares

Feeling Tedious? Change Your Perspective of Time

Feeling Tedious? Change Your Perspective of Time

Dan Masterton

The Connection Between Slowing Down and Saving Our Planet

The Connection Between Slowing Down and Saving Our Planet

Lauren Fritz

Lessons I Learned from Potty-Training My Cat

Lessons I Learned from Potty-Training My Cat

Mariah Cressy

5 Benefits of Writing to God Instead of Praying

5 Benefits of Writing to God Instead of Praying

Lillian Fallon

What is Reparenting — And How Can it Help You?

What is Reparenting — And How Can it Help You?

Katie Lemaire

Free Download: 1-Month Transition to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle Challenge

Free Download: 1-Month Transition to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle Challenge

Grotto

5 Ways to Turn Photography Into a Restorative Hobby — Even With Your Phone Camera

5 Ways to Turn Photography Into a Restorative Hobby — Even With Your Phone Camera

Jacqueline Rose

How to Hack Your To-Do List to Find More Time

How to Hack Your To-Do List to Find More Time

Molly Gettinger

From Videographer to Farmer: A Story of Authenticity

From Videographer to Farmer: A Story of Authenticity

Grotto

New Year's Resolutions for a Brighter, Inclusive Future

New Year's Resolutions for a Brighter, Inclusive Future

Grotto

Stunning Street Art in Paradise, California

Stunning Street Art in Paradise, California

Grotto

3 Action Steps to Learn a New Language

3 Action Steps to Learn a New Language

Hannah Smith

What You Need to Know About Addictions

What You Need to Know About Addictions

Julia Hogan-Werner

A Place To Come Home To

A Place To Come Home To

Shemaiah Gonzalez

5 Instas Every Booklover Should Be Following

5 Instas Every Booklover Should Be Following

Gabriella Patti

3 Ways Reading Books Can Change Your Life

3 Ways Reading Books Can Change Your Life

Chris Hazell

5 Ways Your Wardrobe Can Affirm Your Dignity

5 Ways Your Wardrobe Can Affirm Your Dignity

Jacqueline Rose

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.