There is a quiet creature living in the comfort of climate control in our math and science classroom. Meet Ozy, an English Angora rabbit! Ozy came to the Ranch in June to serve as a calming addition to the school. While most think of dogs and horses as therapy animals – and we love ours – Ozy can quietly offer a source of calming to students.

Here are 8 reasons* a rabbit makes a great therapy animal:

  1. Rabbits are loving and gentle creatures
  2. Bunnies are quiet
  3. They don’t require a lot of space
  4. Rabbits don’t need to go for walks
  5. Training is a breeze
  6. Rabbits have long lives
  7. Rabbits can be adopted at a local shelter (For clarity, Ozy was not adopted.)
  8. Rabbits are full of personality

Several of our students come from traumatic situations. Research shows that many formerly abused children connect with animals more easily than adults.

Our math and science teacher, Miss Anna, has experience with rabbits. An angora rabbit was chosen based on the breed’s typical calm nature, fluffy fur, and the ability to harvest the fur for crafts. During the hot summer months, we keep Ozy inside to protect him from the heat. Angora rabbits are not suited for hot weather as their wool make great insulators! We are certain that Ozy will enjoy the cooler temperatures of autumn!

Miss Anna states, “With the right temperament and environment, classroom pets can make wonderful study breaks, study buddies, or even study subjects.  As an angora rabbit, Ozy also possesses some utilitarian aspects. Using Ozy’s wool, students will have the opportunity to learn about crafts such as felting, spinning, and knitting/crocheting.  So far Ozy has been quite entertaining.  We are thankful for his friendly, inquisitive nature, and are looking forward to our first wool harvest!”

Students will be able to take Ozy’s wool and make crafts for the Ranch’s craft sale in the spring. Ozy’s wool will be sold to the student, who will have the opportunity to keep any earnings from crafts sold for themselves. The money the students pay for the wool will go back into the costs to care for Ozy, and their paying for the wool teaches the student a lesson in business.

We are grateful that these children get opportunities to learn in an environment that is safe and nurturing. The many who support us with prayers and gifts bring us much encouragement!

Job 12:7-10 ~ But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will instruct you; let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind.

*Information taken from: https://esadoctors.com/8-reasons-getting-emotional-support-rabbit/

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