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Message fron Nat
Date:26th May 2015| Category:General
I have been a Veterinary Nurse for over 20 years now and have recently had the opportunity and privilege of becoming involved in Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge. My role is to educate the participating children about the care and attention that animals need in everyday life.
My experience in the program so far has really opened my eyes to the difference some unconditional love can make to the life and behaviour of a child. I have seen kids come to the farm with a hardened exterior only to leave a little softer after a day of working with the animals
I felt today went really well. The kids seemed to be very interactive and I really noticed a difference in them. They seemed calm an interested, really taking on the tasks you were asking them to do. I noticed a big difference in Bill. I remember from his first visit he was very loud and 'macho' but had a real fear when it came to interacting with the animals. Today, he actually fed the sheep, came close to Rosie, the pony, and learnt to trust the animals. I noticed today he wasn't so loud and attention seeking...he was happy to give things a go.
George was amazing with the animals, taking responsibility and showing leadership with his fellow classmates. It's obvious that you have made an impression on him, something he needed.
I did learn today as well that you need to identify what motivates each individual and hone in on that to form a relationship. Sam, for example, was motivated by Rosie and 'took her on' as his responsibility. I noticed he seemed to be a bit of a loner at other times. It seemed to me he just needed someone to take an interest in his interests if that makes sense.
You are amazing with the kids. It's great how you 'pick your battles' being quite flexible with what they are doing at times...in your words.... "As long as they are enjoying themselves" and at other times, ensuring they are following your instructions. It's clear the kids respect you.
I think the program is great. It's very flexible and relaxed. As far as the vet side goes, it's hard to know what parts they enjoy. I think maybe the veterinary side of things needs to be a little more 'hands on'. Maybe actually examining one of the animals (calf, dog, etc.) with the kids and talking about things while we did it??
I have become involved in a program that Gill's Mum Annette has developed in memory of Gill. Gillian's Rainbow Bridge aims to assist disadvantaged children and abused animals to support each other. The children come for a day visit to Annette's farm and I do a session on looking after animals/vet talk etc. The children then bottle feed the calf, feed the sheep, goats, horse and chickens, then pick some produce from the garden to eat for lunch.
In the afternoon, the children do a craft activity. I have done 4 sessions so far. Some kids have been back a second time and I have really noticed a difference in their behaviour. Annette is wonderful with them.
There are usually about 8 kids per session. One boy George, whose mother died, has been visiting the farm on weekends for some one on one time with Annette. The change in him has been amazing. It's wonderful to see what a difference animals can make in the lives of children who just need a bit of extra loving.
Nat.
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My experience in the program so far has really opened my eyes to the difference some unconditional love can make to the life and behaviour of a child. I have seen kids come to the farm with a hardened exterior only to leave a little softer after a day of working with the animals
I felt today went really well. The kids seemed to be very interactive and I really noticed a difference in them. They seemed calm an interested, really taking on the tasks you were asking them to do. I noticed a big difference in Bill. I remember from his first visit he was very loud and 'macho' but had a real fear when it came to interacting with the animals. Today, he actually fed the sheep, came close to Rosie, the pony, and learnt to trust the animals. I noticed today he wasn't so loud and attention seeking...he was happy to give things a go.
George was amazing with the animals, taking responsibility and showing leadership with his fellow classmates. It's obvious that you have made an impression on him, something he needed.
I did learn today as well that you need to identify what motivates each individual and hone in on that to form a relationship. Sam, for example, was motivated by Rosie and 'took her on' as his responsibility. I noticed he seemed to be a bit of a loner at other times. It seemed to me he just needed someone to take an interest in his interests if that makes sense.
You are amazing with the kids. It's great how you 'pick your battles' being quite flexible with what they are doing at times...in your words.... "As long as they are enjoying themselves" and at other times, ensuring they are following your instructions. It's clear the kids respect you.
I think the program is great. It's very flexible and relaxed. As far as the vet side goes, it's hard to know what parts they enjoy. I think maybe the veterinary side of things needs to be a little more 'hands on'. Maybe actually examining one of the animals (calf, dog, etc.) with the kids and talking about things while we did it??
I have become involved in a program that Gill's Mum Annette has developed in memory of Gill. Gillian's Rainbow Bridge aims to assist disadvantaged children and abused animals to support each other. The children come for a day visit to Annette's farm and I do a session on looking after animals/vet talk etc. The children then bottle feed the calf, feed the sheep, goats, horse and chickens, then pick some produce from the garden to eat for lunch.
In the afternoon, the children do a craft activity. I have done 4 sessions so far. Some kids have been back a second time and I have really noticed a difference in their behaviour. Annette is wonderful with them.
There are usually about 8 kids per session. One boy George, whose mother died, has been visiting the farm on weekends for some one on one time with Annette. The change in him has been amazing. It's wonderful to see what a difference animals can make in the lives of children who just need a bit of extra loving.
Nat.
Author: Nat