Overview
- Wellspring of Life Farm brought its Mobile Animal Services for Heroes unit to Brightview Avondell in Bel Air on Jan. 15 for hands-on interactions with residents.
- Mini horses Minnie and Belle headlined a small menagerie from the Monkton, Maryland farm, giving residents close contact with animals.
- The visit is part of the Heroes, Horses, Hounds & Hairy Goats program, which offers animal sessions to active-duty military, veterans and first responders.
- Executive director Dawn Leung highlighted tactile mobility benefits, while Army veteran Ray Columbo described calming effects that can help those with post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Residents voiced enthusiasm for the experience, and Wellspring noted the animals can visit many settings, including hospitals, as the organization recruits additional volunteers.