The therapeutic benefits of animals are well known, with the Mayo Clinic reporting that animal-assisted therapies can not only help to reduce pain, but the symptoms of a number of conditions including anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
It's for these reasons that Texas-based animal sanctuary Safe in Austin Rescue is connecting kids with disabilities to injured animals.
The incredible work done by the sanctuary was recently highlighted by the Washington Post, who threw a spotlight on how the animals helped five-year-old Harper, who was born with symbrachydactyly, a congenital hand abnormality by introducing her to Priscilla the turkey, who has a similar condition.
Watch the rescued animals enjoy a pumpkin patch below:
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"There is something absolutely magical about watching a child with differences come out here and say, 'They're just like me,'" Jamie Wallace-Griner, who started the sanctuary told the Washington Post, "When you see Harper holding Priscilla’s lucky hand with her own lucky hand, it just does so much for her heart."
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Harper's left hand is smaller than her right and is missing a finger, which is why she's dubbed it her "lucky hand", and she said that Priscilla has a "lucky claw" too.
Harper’s mother said: "It was such a coincidence. Meeting Priscilla has been a gift."
The sanctuary takes care of over 150 animals, who were either neglected, came from an abusive home, or simply struggled as a result of their special needs.
"We have animals that are blind or deaf, have diabetes, cerebral palsy, deformities, missing limbs, broken spines," Wallace-Griner said, "… they all become part of our family."
In the video below, a child with special needs meets one of the disabled animals:
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Wallace-Griner decided to start the sanctuary when her son with autism, Jackson, dramatically improved after he was given a specially trained service dog to help him manage his condition.
"Angel gave my son confidence and strength beyond anything I was capable of doing as his mother," the owner of the sanctuary said, "We saw a dramatic difference within weeks."
She continued: "The security of having an animal that understood him and what he was going through changed everything."
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At the time of the interview, the sanctuary had "20 dogs, 14 cats, eight horses, 32 goats, four rabbits, three tortoises, one parrot, four turkeys, lots of chickens, 18 pigs and four cows."
Because the sanctuary has so many animals, it is becoming increasingly expensive to run, which is why visitors are encouraged to leave a $25 donation.
Wallace-Griner said: "This is a place for anyone who's [sic] heart is in need of some unconditional love and friendship."