Companionship is critical in every stage of human development. That is why it is important for everyone to have some form of social contact. But did you know, that animals can prove to be worthy companions as well?
Benefits of animal therapy include:
- Increased self-esteem and confidence.
- Improved social skills.
- Reduced risk of depression.
- Lessened levels of anxiety.
- Reduced feelings of loneliness.
- An increased ability to show gentleness and caring.
Meet Spaghetti. She is a bearded dragon who volunteers her time with the help of her human, Ollie. Ollie is one of our senior care professionals, and brings Spaghetti to visit clients upon request. While there is no certificates for bearded dragons to become Certified Therapy animals, Spaghetti does not let that stop her! People all over Madison welcome her calming presence. She might look scary at first, but once people get to know her, she earns a special place in their hearts.
Spaghetti has quite the resume of places she has volunteered: visiting Agape’s clients upon request; the Dane Co. Juvenile Shelter Home and School; Briarpatch Youth Services; WORT 89.9FM MADISON; and even the Madison Public Library’s Teen Bubbler Program!
A little bit more about Spaghetti, for those who are wondering:
- She is just over 2 years old. Their lifespan is about 8-12 years.
- Spaghetti is used to people and has never bitten anyone. Beardies are like dogs- if they are given proper care they are the sweetest things ever. She LOVES snuggles.
- Spaghetti’s favorite food is blackberries. She cannot have them often, because they are too high in sugar content. 80% of her usual diet consists of a salad with dark greens and other fibrous veggies. 20% of her diet is protein- that means crickets and roaches and worms!
- Spaghetti is very clean. Before she goes on visits she gets a nice warm bath. She also knows better than to go potty on people.
- Bearded dragons dream just like us! Neuroscientists actually study their sleep patterns to understand more about sleeping vertebrate animals.
- Contrary to popular belief, bearded dragons are not venomous to humans. Disney actually hired some of these sweet lizards to portray a fictional venomous lizard for their movie, “Holes.”
- She may look spikey, but I assure you those spikes are just for show. Beardies are indigenous to Australia, so they have to look scary to ward off all those wild predators!
- Spaghetti has her own instagram, if you want to follow her on adventure! @spaghettithebeardie
