Horses and O/T

3/24/11

We are off to horses today.
Should be a great session with Cookie Dough. Crystal our O/T will be there and a college student will come to observe.
I am hopeful as more people are willing to give of their lives to come alongside a retired horse and a team of people helping someone achieve their full potential. Life is a wonderful dance when we make ourselves available.

Yesterday our occupational therapy session was great, first Crystal worked on loosening Jewel up. Sometimes she is like a block of wood, so Crystal works to loosen her hips and pulls her ribs lower. Crystal is all hands on and playfully loosens Jewel, even though she protests, Crystal will joke and divert Jewel's attention in conversation. She uses Grace, Jewel's service companion dog from HCI. (Hawaii Canines for Independence). Grace will come do a "visit" or "snuggle", immediately Jewel will loosen up, take a deep breath and relax. The love between Jewel and Grace is very present. Crystal then has Jewel in a side sitting position and they will work on diagonal strokes with Jewel's arm as she pets Grace. These diagonal movements are building blocks to functional movements. Since Jewel has been sick her tone and nonfunctional movements kicked in, so Crystal patiently worked at breaking those patterns to put her in functional body language and head in midline, body straight. Sounds simple, but we can break out in a sweat working with Jewel, she is very strong. We target Grace with kibble and reward her with a lot of loving praise, when we think she needs a break, we commence therapy using something else. Like yesterday they played with Jewel's yellow doll umbrella, what a fun therapy session! Thank you Crystal and Grace.

Oh, Jewel went to see John the body worker this morning. It is a lovely drive through a lush agriculture area where everything is green. As usual after John worked on Jewel, she is more relaxed, calm, content, happy and grounded. All the edges seem to have faded. Thank you John.