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	ABOUT US

''You've had a horrible day. You missed a project deadline, and you had a bitter  argument with your boss. To top it all you had to walk all the way home because you missed your bus. You juggle your briefcase and keys, open the front door, and flop on your couch all stressed out thinking all hell has broken loose, just then you are greeted by a lop-sided grin and wagging tail. Laughing, you reach down and playfully tussle your Labrador's head-all the worries melting away as you romp on the living room carpet.''

                                               "Humanity" is a word which man has created to personify the characteristics of love, care, kindness and compassion specifically for the human race. Ironically, "Animosity" is a characteristic which signifies the opposite of all the "humane" characteristics. For centuries animals have been man's best friends, so is it a possibility to extend the concept of
Humanity to species other than Humans? Maybe we can go an extra length and create a new word "Humanimality" which signifies love, care, kindness and compassion not just for the human species but also for other species and we at 'Animal Angels' believe in "Humanimality". For us, its Humanimality - incorporated! a place where you will rediscover the love, compassion and the capacity to heal that your animal has for you!

HISTORY

                       Animal Angels began as a lone attempt by Mrs.Minal Lonkar - Kavishwar, master in clinical psychology, whose love for animals gave her a unique outlook towards treating patients with physical and mental disabilities with animals as the agents for change. Her first research work on animals as therapist aides began on a project initiated by Mrs.Shyamashree Bhosle, Principal of 'Dharmaveer Anand Dhige Jidd Special School', a school for children with mental retardation and physical disabilities. Here, she introduced a beautiful Labrador, Kutty as a therapy dog for these children. For a girl with short stature, Minal was determined and full of faith in 'Humanimality'. Her compassion for animals and children alike caused a change which she expected to see. She began noticing a general change in their emotional tolerance, their motor skills and their attention span. She observed that these children who were socially aloof began showing signs of socializing with other children in the presence of Kutty. That's when the concept of animal angel came into existence….

                       Animal Angels is India's first organization consisting of mental health professionals trained in animal assisted therapy, animal behaviour and training. The goal of the therapy is to enhance the quality of human life through interaction with animals.

Aim   

Animal Angels was formulated by a vision to create awareness about the benefits of the animal human relationship and the healing effect of animals on human. We at Animal Angels aim at involving more and more professionals and like minded people for the cause beneficial to both humans and animals. Animal Angels aims at being a database of information for AAT and related activities. It is developing a network of institutes, trained animal therapist, health professionals, volunteers and pet owners with their trained therapy pets from all over India.

Vision

We at Animal Angels have a vision of spreading awareness about the benefit of the bond between animals and humans and make it as conversant as it is in foreign countries. Animal Angels wants to take this therapy all over India and bring it to the standards that it has abroad. We want to create a place for AAT in the mainstream treatment modality and make it as well known as physiotherapy. Animals affect us on a physical mental, emotional as well as spiritual level. Many people are not aware of this aspect of animals on us. An ambitious vision of Mrs. Minal Lonkar - Kavishwar is, starting India's first Center for Animal Assisted Therapy, which would house all the facilities required for animal therapy such as, Giving therapy Conducing research: Animal Angels will be conducting scientific research on effects of animal therapy in various fields and document it for further reference. Training: Training health professionals, pet owners, and volunteers in incorporating animals in treating people. Awareness programs: Educating people about the therapy and the benefit of human animal bond.

Animal Angels is currently working with special children in schools and institutes. It also works in the psychiatric setting, hospitals and institutes for special children Animal Angels would soon be extending its work for Rehabilitation center Old age homes Schools for normal children Children with learning disabilities Terminally ill patients Hospitals, nursing homes …..And a lot more avenues.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Minal and Kutty

Mrs. Minal Vishal Kavishwar   President - Animal Angels Foundation Minal Kavishwar started Animal Angels Foundation along with other like minded people who believed in the healing power of pets. Animal Angels functions all over India and also in collaborations with other organizations working in this field abroad.  A graduate from S.N.D.T College - Mumbai. She Completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology from S.N.D.T University. She has been practicing canine behavior counseling and dog training for the past 6 years. She has experience of counseling in setups like Thane Mental hospitals, J.J hospital psychiatric ward, Masina hospital, etc and has been practicing Animal Assisted Therapy for the past 5 years. She is certified as an Animal Assisted Therapist from the University of North Texas and Delta society. She has conducted the first documented research on Animal Assisted Therapy in India. Her passion for animals, her compassionate and understanding nature and her vision to explore and popularize the health benefits of Animal Therapy has made her a pioneer in  this field.

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