When you live in South Florida you hear about Dolphins... A LOT!!!

Think about it, our football team is The Miami Dolphins, Dolphin Mall is just up the road from HorN Pets HQ, and on a really lucky day you can even catch a glimpse of a Dolphin or two frolicking in Biscayne Bay!!!

In spite of all that, and our many, many, many, years living in So Fla it was only a few weeks ago any that we first heard of Dolphin Therapy. Clearly that kind of ignorance suggested we do a little research (aka. Google) after an exhaustive search of the subject on the WWW we found Island Dolphin Care Inc. It was love at first site, here's a bit of their story in their own words.

Island Dolphin Care, Inc. (IDC) was developed to help children with special needs and their families who are dealing with developmental and/or physical disabilities, emotional challenges, and critical, chronic or terminal illness. Island Dolphin Care believes that children with special challenges can and should enjoy the full range of activities that life's experiences can offer, and that every child deserves the opportunity to play, giggle and have fun! Island Dolphin Care, Inc., was created by Ms. Deena Hoagland, LCSW, after witnessing the remarkable recovery of her son, Joe, after he began swimming with dolphins at the age of three. Deena and her husband, Peter, brought Joe to Dolphins Plus, in Key Largo, FL in the hope that the dolphins might motivate Joe to use the left side of his body-weakened from a stroke which occurred during his third open-heart surgery. Joe had not responded well to traditional physical, occupational, and speech therapies. At Dolphins Plus, Joe began to make progress physically and psychologically in a natural, non-threatening, fun setting. He took pleasure and satisfaction in completing his exercises, assisted by the unconditional support from the dolphins. Joe responded extremely well to this "new" therapy, increasing muscle tone and flexibility, as well as increasing his self-esteem. With the support of the dolphins, especially his dolphin friend "Fonzie," Joe was able to normalize his young life. Deena hypothesized that if dolphins could help Joe feel better about himself, and motivate him to try new tasks, then the dolphins might also help others. A variety of children with special needs could experience therapeutic success in an environment less threatening than standard medical settings.

Since 1990, Deena has worked with many children from around the world with various educational, emotional, and physical needs. The dolphins are catalysts that provide unconditional love and support. The program also provides unique educational experiences that often allows children to become more expressive and develop closer bonds with parents, doctors, and therapists upon returning home.

Visit, Island Dolphin Care Inc. to learn more about them, their fantastic programs, and the entire subject of Dolphin Therapy, you may also want to consider making a small or large donation while you're at it!!!

It's HAUTE to Give!!!

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