Dogs to the rescue

THE RESULTS of Almoradí’s ‘Somos Humanymal’ (we are Humanymal) project, aimed at using dogs to support young people in vulnerable situations, were revealed last week.

Head of the town hall social services department, Alfonso García noted that the initiative, intended to provide an ‘innovative response’ to various problems presented by many young people at risk, has ‘exceeded favourable expectations’ among attendees.

“It has been a total success, and not just for the Almoradí community,” explained the Somos Humanymal association social worker, which propeople vides animal-assisted interventions as a response to young people experiencing education and inclusion difficulties, or going through rehabilitation.

Youngsters taking part in the project had a history of problems at school or with socialising, or lack of an appropriate relationship at a complicated stage of their life.

The first phase was to prepare users with theoretical training and practical knowledge of therapy dogs.

Through the project, the youngsters have increased their daily motivation, undertaking tasks that also benefit society, developing activities in all areas, for example working with with functional diversity.

Another activity is the development of awareness of animal protection, as the association works strictly with rescue animals, because it is one of its ‘most valued principals’.

The positive experience of the scheme has resulted in an improvement in the state of mind of its users, reducing conflicts at home, as well as increasing motivation to continue with their education or looking for employment. It has been a positive experience which has stimulated participants to set new goals in their lives, reports the town hall.