My Registered Animal Assisted Therapy Dog (Max) and I have been volunteering at Paws For Reflection Ranch for over 2 years now. The Ranch is a wonderfull place for Special Need children and there familes to celebrate holidays, e.g. Easter, Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas all at no charge. The enthusiasm Melode and Stan Seremet (the owners) have for the community is something very special, along with the rest of there family and a whole group of tireless volunteers. You see such joy in the faces of the children as they ride the horses, meet the rabbits, hedgehog, pot-belly pig, etc. The games and prizes at each event are throughly enjoyed by the kids and each event is bigger and better than the last. We'll keep volunteering at the Ranch for many years to come it is such a very special place!
While in college, I worked with people utilizing Therapeutic Riding. When I found that my son had some emotional challenges, therapeutic riding was a great way to bridge his love for animals and learning responsibility while having fun and maintaining "control". Everyone at PFR has been absolutely wonderful and my little boy is so passionate about his time there. I can't thank them enough for the support they've given!!!!
Paws for Reflection Ranch is an awesome organization! The staff is extremely friendly and help make you feel welcome. Volunteering is a blast - always LOTS to do, including caring for the animals, assisting with therapeutic horseback riding lessons (side-walking), helping at community events, and gardening. I've done it all, and keep going back for more! There is just something about seeing a child with a disability feel empowered when riding their horse. This is a place where kids can be kids!