Petting
zoos have been popular with young children for generations, but the healing
effects of farm animals for adults is relatively new. “Healing with the Homies”
is a therapy animal farm in Lehi, bringing rescued goats, sheep, and rabbits
together with adults suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
“It
all started when my friend who suffers from severe PTSD came with me to
volunteer at the Cox Family Farm,” said Meleana White, founder of Healing with
the Homies. The Cox family told White about their program of leasing space on
their west Lehi farm to people who want to keep animals, but don’t have space.
That gave White the idea of farm animal therapy for adults.
“Being
around the animals, feeding them and grooming them, had a profound and positive
effect on my friend. We really wanted to open this up to more people,” said
White. Since she started the therapy farm, White has seen military veterans,
young adults suffering from severe anxiety and depression, and even a young man
who had attempted suicide just a few days before, visiting the farm.
“You
can see people light up when they’re around these animals,” said White. She has
found research proving that being around animals lowers blood pressure and
releases endorphins, making people more relaxed and happier.
The
main source of advertising for Healing with the Homies is through Instagram,
@healing_with_the_homies, where people can send messages to White and arrange
an intimate appointment with the farm animals. “I think some parents like
taking their kids to a petting zoo because they like being around the animals
themselves,” laughed White. “When the adults come here, they revert to their
childhood. The goats come and sit on their laps. They tend to go to the person
who needs the most attention and love,” White continued.
The
animals at Healing with the Homies are often accessorized with fun hair bows or
Hawaiian leis, and the sheep have colorful wool, all in an effort to make
people smile. White and her friends take the goats on hikes, causing other
hikers to do a doubletake. “They’re great hikers! They can carry water and they
stay right by you. Sometimes dogs bark at people, but goats don’t,” explained
White.
During an appointment at the animal therapy farm, after signing a waiver, clients are introduced to the animals and allowed to sit and relax with them or play for an hour. The Cox Family Farm is in West Lehi in a neighborhood, but it feels secluded. From White’s leased portion of the farm, the view of the sunset is great. “People who are having a very difficult time in their life come here and immediately have a light come into their eyes. The positive effect of being around these animals is immediate,” said White. “Animals don’t judge – they absorb your energy.”