HAMPSHIRE – “The statistics are staggering,” says Laurie Kay, whose life mission is to rescue and find homes for special needs animals. “More than 5,000 dogs are euthanized every week. Double that number for cats.” A former emergency medical technician, Kay is trained in human and infant massage, human and pet first aid/CPR, equine/canine/feline acupressure, massage and body work, animal communication, and Reiki, a technique for stress reduction and relaxation.
Today, she couples that training with her love for animals, offering animal-assisted therapy at Stardust Sanctuary in Hampshire.
Stardust Sanctuary owner Laurie Kay rescues animals like Tika (horse above), who had a head injury when Kay received her. Together, Kay and her rescued animals help people in various healing processes, especially those battling Alzheimer’s. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
“Stardust is a network of caring people who make a difference in the lives of those whose wishes and dreams have gone unanswered,” she says. “It is a place of healing, for animals and humans alike.”
Research reveals a strong bond between animals and people and that bond can improve a person’s mental, physical, social, and emotional outlook and behavior. Because animals are accepting, non-threatening, and non-judgmental people are more likely to open up to them.
People with a variety of conditions can benefit from this therapy. For example, autism, addiction, cancer, heart disease, dementia, chronic pain, and psychiatric, emotional and behavioral disorders.
Stardust offers many unique programs, including:
— Groundwork Therapy Classes: “Through a series of exercises, the horses help people reveal their fear and pain,” says Kay. “Studies have shown horses have a sympathetic comprehension to fear and pain. The connection between horses and humans is powerful. Horses can guide us to our inner self, the one safe place to call home, where all healing begins.”
— Find Your Inner Spirit with Small and Large Animals: Sanctuary visits offer people a place to quiet their minds and to be in the moment with nature and animals. “Animals give us a one-on-one connection,” says Kay. “They help us embrace ourselves.”
— A foster program is run by Sanctuary friends, volunteers, sponsors and professionals who network to find “forever homes” for rescued animals. “We believe all animals have purpose and value,” says Kay. “They help people become whole.”
— Other programs include Alzheimer’s Enlightenment, Veteran and Special Needs, The Grieving Heart Journey, and Twinkle Stars for kids.
Some people doubt the authenticity of animal-assisted therapy. Not Kay, she’s a believer.
“It’s magical,” she says with a touch of whimsy in her voice.
“I felt like a different person,” wrote one veteran after visiting Stardust Sanctuary. “After grooming one of the horses, I felt more focused, and it slowed down the pace. I was more present for my family,” wrote another. “I felt more centered and was able to move through a crisis with more self love,” said a third.
“I didn’t plan on doing this when I came into the world, but I know I’m meant to do it,” says Kay. “My purpose and my mission is to bring hope and healing to people and animals.”
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