You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
What a wonderful world…<br />
Here’s a monthly dose of positivity, with a reminder of all the good<br />
things going on around us – and this time it’s an animal special!<br />
Writing | Rebecca Thair<br />
NEED A HERO<br />
A FURRY FRIEND GOES A LONG WAY<br />
They might not be the first<br />
thing you think of, but rats<br />
are performing some pretty<br />
heroic actions thanks<br />
to non-profit APOPO.<br />
The organisation trains<br />
African giant pouched rats<br />
as ‘HeroRATS’, that can<br />
sniff out landmines and<br />
tuberculosis, to save lives.<br />
Did you know that adult<br />
cats only ‘meow’ at<br />
humans? While kittens<br />
meow to communicate<br />
with their mothers to<br />
signal when they’re<br />
cold, or hungry, as they<br />
age cats stop this<br />
trait with each<br />
other and<br />
only meow<br />
at people!<br />
HELLLOOO<br />
HOOMAAAAN!<br />
UK charity Pets As Therapy<br />
has more than 6,000<br />
volunteers visiting places<br />
across the country to<br />
support people’s health<br />
and wellbeing. Taking their<br />
temperament-checked pets<br />
to hospitals, hospices, care<br />
homes, and special needs<br />
schools, the programme<br />
provides companionship<br />
and support for many people<br />
in need. But one special<br />
project in particular stands<br />
out; Read2Dogs helps young<br />
people develop confidence<br />
and self-esteem, practising<br />
reading and public speaking<br />
THE DONKEY SANCTUARY<br />
An incredible organisation<br />
in Belfast is not only<br />
rescuing donkeys, but<br />
providing essential<br />
therapeutic services<br />
for vulnerable<br />
people in need, too!<br />
The Donkey Sanctuary<br />
Belfast recognised the<br />
emotional intelligence of<br />
these lovely creatures, and<br />
has been offering donkey-<br />
with four-legged, nonjudgemental<br />
friends, and has<br />
been particularly beneficial<br />
for those with ADHD, or who<br />
are on the autism spectrum.<br />
assisted therapy for more<br />
than 40 years. Initially, the<br />
programme centred on<br />
children with additional<br />
needs, but has since expanded<br />
to support adults and children<br />
with a range of emotional,<br />
psychological, and cognitive<br />
needs, by helping with key<br />
life skills such as managing<br />
emotions, empathy, and<br />
building self-esteem.<br />
72 | <strong>April</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | happiful.com
Change language