| What is dolphin assisted therapy research? It is a | | | | happen during these sessions. Non-verbal patients |
| special mix of zoo therapy and physiotherapy that also | | | | have said their first words; others have shown some |
| provides important information for research. The | | | | interest in communicating with them and developing a |
| animals used in this type of therapy are trained | | | | close relationship. Others became affectionate while |
| dolphins. | | | | some developed their motor skills. For some children, |
| Who uses this type of therapy? It is usually people | | | | dolphin assisted therapy research made their dreams |
| with special needs. It has been very popular with | | | | come true by giving them the opportunity to go |
| children affected or suffering from Autism, Cerebral | | | | swimming with dolphins. For others, it meant hope, |
| Palsy, cancer and Multiple Sclerosis. Verbal or | | | | achieving goals, develop their skills or find a best friend. |
| non-verbal, with or without sight, paralyzed or with | | | | While miracles have been happening during dolphin |
| limited motor skills, miracles have been observed or | | | | assisted therapy research sessions, it does not mean |
| linked with this type of therapy. | | | | that they are guaranteed to happen but at least, the |
| Charitable organizations such as the Make-a-Wish | | | | experience in itself, its uniqueness and the fun related |
| Foundation have made dreams come true for | | | | to it make it worthwhile. |
| numerous children. You see, children are often | | | | In fact, numerous parents, relatives and friends would |
| attracted and intrigued by these marine mammals. As | | | | tell you that, at least, it makes a dream come true and |
| for dolphins, they are naturally curious, patient, | | | | at best, it will bring to your loved one something more |
| protective and sociable animals, which explain their | | | | precious than all the money in the world: a miracle that |
| main attraction to humans. | | | | changed a life. |
| If a pregnant woman, a defenseless child or a | | | | Nowadays, several places offer either dolphin assisted |
| physically handicapped adult are put in their presence, | | | | therapy research, a chance to go swimming with |
| dolphins are known to come to their rescue and | | | | dolphins or even the opportunity to become a dolphin |
| protect them, no matter the consequences. | | | | trainer for a day. If you have one of these |
| During the assisted dolphin therapy research sessions, | | | | opportunities, you should take it as it will provide you |
| a physiotherapist and a dolphin trainer, who often is a | | | | with the experience of a lifetime. For once, you will see |
| marine biologist, are present to supervise series of | | | | that the cost of such an opportunity is worth every |
| physical exercises. Dolphins provide the rest: patience, | | | | penny. Write it down on your "To Do List" for your |
| support, entertainment and a unique relationship. | | | | next vacation as you will not regret it! |
| With time, various miracles have been known to | | | | |