Everyone needs a place and a friend in this world, and sadly there are so many out there who are struggling. Children who are trying to find a friend, or a place where they feel noticed, surrounded by people like them. Children who are living with disabilities, mental health issues, or past trauma can sometimes feel lost as they desperately look for children that look like them. When they can not find them, they feel alone, and this is something that no parent wants for their child.
Luckily, sometimes the best friends come in the form of an animal and there is a farm out there that is helping children with special needs find that special friend. According to GoodNewsNetwork, Safe in Austin is an animal sanctuary that takes in animals that are injured or living with a disability.
Jamie Wallace-Griner is the owner of the sanctuary and it all started when she watched the interaction between her son who has autism and his service dog. She said that when the dog, Angel, came into their lives she really saw how animals can perform miracles and she watched at everything that this sweet dog gave her son. This lead her to purchase an older ranch in Leander, Texas, and she has brought children and animals together.
Her goal was to make sure the sanctuary would be a safe haven for children with disabilities, mental health issues, or past trauma. The sanctuary takes in animals that have been neglected and they either adopt them out if appropriate, or they keep them at their sanctuary. When they are confident that the animals are ready, they start introducing them to children.
The farm currently has 20 dogs, 14 cats, 8 horses, 32 goats and many other animals. One of their more popular animals is Ruby Sue, a paralyzed calf who is able to get around in a wheelchair that was designed for her. It is not hard to see why a child who uses a wheelchair would feel a strong connection to an animal that is in a similar living situation.
Better yet, animals do not judge or bully, but offer a comforting paw or back for petting. The sanctuary is based off no judging, and everyone is welcome, and the owners say that they do not care about anything that has happened in your past. Every child is welcome at their farm, and the connections that are happening are nothing short of miraculous.
Source: Good News Network