Makes me feel like Im someone in the world: Animal-assisted therapy helps Manitobans – Winnipeg [Video]

Animals wait patiently at the gate, wondering which of them will be harnessed and groomed by Lucy Sloan.

It’s miniature horse Sweety’s lucky day.

“So one of the things about Sweety, she loves having someone scratch her,” Sloan said.

Jackson Goertzen grabs a red brush and gets to work. He’s part of the animal-assisted therapy program at Lil’ Steps Wellness.

“It helps me with my stress, it makes me feel like there is someone there to help me. It makes me feel like I’m someone in the world,” Jackson said.

Lil’ Steps Wellness was founded by Sloan, a counsellor, about 10 years ago, after she was inspired to expand her services.

“After a serious head injury, I ended up purchasing two miniature horses named Peanut and Sweety and I realized this whole therapeutic piece to having animals and so I decided to integrate that into my work,” Sloan said.

Lil’ Steps Wellness now has dozens of …