Animal Angels in the News

People who have lost their loved ones in the 7/11 train blasts or have themselves been victims of the mishap, tender, loving care is at hand. Kutty and Goldie, two trained dogs from the NGO Animal Angels will provide some succour to blast victims. Animal-assisted therapy will be introduced as part of the project Raahat Ka Ehsaas, initiated by Bombay Psychiatric Society and Rotary Club of Bombay Central. The project will provide counselling for blast victims and their relatives.

Kutty and Goldie work with schools meant for differentlyabled children and are currently being trained for assisting the blast victims. Minal Lonkar-Kavishwar, founder of Animal Angels, said, “Animal therapy for victims of various mishaps might be a new concept to India, but it is a common practice in foreign countries. In the US, it was effectively used for victims of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

Nine months back, Minal (in the picture above) started training Goldie for Prasanna Autistic Centre in Pune and has added four more dogs to her squad, which are now being trained in Thane

“In 2002, I had introduced the concept at Dharmavir Anand Dighe JIDD Special School for Handicapped Children in Thane, where we trained Kutty as a therapy dog. Since there was no guidance available, I was training myself along with Kutty. Later, I completed my certification in Animal Therapy from University of North Texas in USA,” added Minal. Shyamshree Bhosale, principal of JIDD School, said, “Mentally-challenged children feel lonely since they are not easily accepted by society. They consider Kutty as a friend and open up in front of her. Even though they are impulsive and can be violent sometimes, Kutty has been desensitised against their reactions.” Nine months back, Minal started training 'Sophie' for Prasanna Autistic Centre in Pune and has added four more dogs to her squad, which are now being trained in Thane.

“The blast victims have terrifying memories trapped in their minds. But a soft and caring touch by these animals will help them get over their pain. Therapy dogs allow victims to let our their emotions and many times victims hug them and cry to let out the pain in their minds,” said Minal while talking about the therapy. The Bombay Psychiatric Society is planning to set up a permanent Disaster Management Cell for victims of various mishaps, which will include animal therapy. Ramon Abrol, representative of Rotary Club of Bombay Central, said, “We have organised an informal meeting for blast victims on Sunday and 55 of them have confirmed their presence. Following the discussion, Minal will demonstrate a session of animal therapy.”

   The venue for meeting is: Andheri Recreation Club, Utsav Hall, near Bhavan’s College, Andheri
   Time: 9:30 am
   Contact: Animal Angels Therapy Centre, C/o Prasanna Autistic Centre, Near Old Gupte Hospital, IIPM Lane, Bhandarkar Road, Pune. Mobile: 9325025250

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