Angels come to the rescue

About three years ago, two young professional dog trainers and clinical psychologists — Rohini Fernandes and Radhika Nair — took a novel decision. After much research they came to the conclusion that the best way to combine their interest and talents would be to specialise in animal assisted therapy – a form of therapy in which Rohini’s four-year-old four-legged Angel plays an integral role in connecting with patients.

“At first, people were so hesitant about our work. But then we got the opportunity to perform a pilot project with a school for special children the results were so positive that word began spreading,” says Rohini of her Animal Angels Foundation. They spend their days taking Angel into various homes and schools across the city where they provide therapy to patients who show noticeable improvement within a short time.

This form of therapy targets physical and mental goals both at once says Rohini who sites an example of a young patient whose depression reduced and motor skills improved drastically with continuous sessions of just walking and playing with Angel.
Recently, Rohini and Radhika have been nominated for a youth icon award and are hoping that the attention raised will open up more doors for them. “We have received requests from other cities and would love to open centres there as well. We also want to start working with hospitals.”