ANIMAL HELPERS
Dog Helpers
Loki
** Loki is now in semi-retirement but does make cameo appearances at the office and the ranch
I’m a Husky/German Shepherd cross. I had a rough start in life and nobody seemed to want me. Then I was adopted by Tammy and her family, and now I am one happy pup! Border Collie dogs really like to work, so Tammy trains me how to do lots of activities with kids; this makes kids feel good inside. It’s up to kids whether they want to meet me. Sometimes like to sit in with adults who come talk to Tammy too. I’m really very sweet and try to behave like a good dog, but sometimes I get excited and have little problems- so kids help train me 🙂 Tammy can show you how to do that.
Mostly I behave myself very well and I never hurt anyone. I always give my best and try really hard to be good:) If you would like to meet me and play with me, you can tell them at Family Counselling Centres Leduc. Tammy will meet with you first to show you some great ways to say hello to me, and she will give you treats when we first meet— I LOVE that!!! Here’s a picture of me! I hope we get to meet some day
Kona
My name is “Kona” and I love being an animal helper at Family Counselling Centres. I often wait
patiently in Kim’s office for clients to arrive, but I also enjoy meeting and greeting clients at the
front entrance.
I’m a golden doodle and a trained therapy dog. Although I am a large dog, I’m still a puppy who
loves lots of attention and retrieving toys and tennis balls. I am a calm and friendly puppy who
loves to curl up on client’s laps and give them hugs and kisses. I like helping my partner Kim by participating in fun activities with kids and teens. I really like
helping to facilitate a warm and caring environment so that clients feel safe and comfortable. I
also love learning new tricks and getting treats!
Watson
My name is “Watson” and nothing makes me happier than giving other people plenty of cuddles. I usually wait in Jocelyn’s office until you arrive. Sometimes I let out a friendly howl when I’m really excited to see you. When I howl the humans in my world tell me I sound like “Chewbacca” from Star Wars.
A German Shepard/Husky cross, I am a large dog but I like to pretend I’m a small dog. I wasn’t wanted as a puppy and became fostered through Zoe’s Animal Rescue. I’m really excited and happy that Jocelyn adopted me and has given me a forever home.
I am very gentle, friendly and have a pawsitive impact on others during counselling sessions. I help foster healthy attachment, empathy and confidence. My presence helps facilitate a calm, accepting and nurturing environment. Working, playing and going for walks are some of my favorite things to do. I love learning new things so much that Jocelyn ensured my participation in three different training programs (I got sooo many treats)!
Beau
Hi! I’m Beau. I am a Border Collie who loves to make new friends. When it is time to go to the office, I wait eagerly at the door, saying “Whoo-Whoo” because I’m so excited to go. When you come visit me and Chantal, I will greet you slowly and calmly, give you a “shake-a-paw.” I may also bring over my orange squeak toy to see if you want to play catch. I also love to do tricks and learn new tricks, but I’m also okay with just hanging out and being cuddled. After playtime, I like to sit on the mat or with you by your feet, being pet while you talk. I am an older dog, but still playful like a puppy.
Equine Helpers
Willow
Willow is an 11 year-old Quarter Horse. She has been donated to our program by her owner, Alexis. Willow needed a home where she could be loved but not ridden, as she has a handicap that prevent her from having any weight on her back. Due to her handicap she struggles with being accepted by other horses, so she prefers the company of people. Willow is the most affectionate horse in our herd and has an affinity for trying to soothe those who are struggling with sadness or anxiety.
Sterling
Flicka
Flicka is an 8 year-old Quarter Horse mare. She is one of the friendliest horses at the Ranch and often the first at the gate to say hello to clients. She is a horse who has had (too) many owners in her young life, and we hope she has now found her forever home at our ranch. She is a very kind and sensitive soul, and is very attuned to whomever she is spending time with. Our clinic sees a lot of children who have been in many homes as a result of being in the foster care system; Flicka has a very similar background and this often resonates with those clients.
Rocky
Rocky is a 19 year-old Wildy/Quarter Horse gelding. Rocky is the alpha of our herd. He lost his owner (Cindy) she passed away from cancer, and now that he can no longer take care of her is ready to take care of our clients; especially those who are struggling with loss. Rocky is gentle, reliable, calm, and confident. He is a calm and grounding presence in our program.
Dusty
Dusty is 5 year-old miniature gelding. Dusty is a retired show pony who also was used for children’s parties, festivals, and parades due to his good nature. Dusty is curious and inquisitive, but also very sensitive. Dusty is shy and cautious at first, but once you gain his trust, he will do anything for you. He even will wave to you for horse cookies!
Shorty
Shorty is a 15 year-old miniature gelding. Shorty had a very important job before coming to FCC; he helped his former little owner go through her adoption! He followed her from her foster family to her forever home. Now he is in our program ready to help other children who are struggling with transitions. Shorty is calm, confidant, and patient—a wonderful addition for helping children with emotion regulation.
Faith
Faith is a 3 year old miniature mare. She is the most curious horse in the herd, and loves to spend time with the goats and children. She has a loving disposition and wants to get to know almost anyone who comes to visit; she is the social butterfly of our herd. She helps children who feel apprehensive about counselling open up and feel comfortable.
Feline Helpers
Rocky
Rocky is a 5 year-old cat born on the Ranch. Rocky is out most outgoing and social cat at our barn. His mission in life is to love and be loved– he really just acts like a very big kitten! His mother died when he was very young so he was bottle fed by his humans, and seems to think he’s a person now. He often follows clients around the property in hopes of a cuddle.
Milo
Milo is a 3 year-old orange tabby. Milo has an interesting feature—he is polydactyl, which he means he has more toes than an average cat does. Milo loves people much more than other cats and tends to be a loner when he’s with his cat family. He would much rather be cuddling on a human’s lap or sleeping on the therapy couch than in the barn..
Gizmo
Gizmo is a 5 year-old male cat who is brothers with Rocky. He loves to play and talk to clients (he has the best meow) but can play kind of rough– impulse control and personal boundaries are not his strong suite. His playfulness is quite enduring and little boys who like rough-and-tumble play get along beautifully with him.
Bandit
Bandit is a just over a year old, born in Spring of 2020. He loves to play and climb and is just starting to enjoy clients and welcoming new people into his world. He can be shy at first but once you earn his trust, he loves to be cuddled and to follow you around the property.
Snip
Snip is just over a year old, born in Fall of 2020 and still very much a kitten. Like a typical kitten he loves to play and explore. He is the most mischievous cat at the ranch.
Rusty
Rusty is a 5 month-old kitten. He is shy at first, but once he gets to know you he can be quite the cuddle bug. If you can catch him first!
The Goats
Peanut
Peanut is a 5 month-old Nigerian Pygmy Goat. He was given to our Executive Director to bottle feed, as he was a quadruplet who was too small to be cared for by his mother—he was born at less than a pound and was a third of the size of his three siblings. Peanut was actually raised in Tammy’s house so he doesn’t think he’s a goat—we’re fairly certain he thinks he’s a person! Peanut is always a favourite at the ranch due to his good nature and affectionate personality. He is an excellent model for resiliency and overcoming adversity!
Oreo
Oreo is a 6 month-old Nigerian Pygmy Goat. Oreo is an inquisitive and playful little guy who loves to be with people and any other on the ranch—he’s our social butterfly! All our animals have quirks, and Oreo’s is he loves to chew—on anything and everything! He also loves to go for walks with clients on the trails throughout the ranch!
Rascal
Rascal is a 6 month-old Nigerian Pygmy Goat. Racal was given his name for a reason—he is as smart and mischievous as they come. Rascal loves to play and his favourite game is playing Houdini and escaping from his pen. Rascal can also be a little impulsive and struggles with following the rules—but his loving personality and good nature make up for his quirks!
The Sheep
Violet and Casper
Violet and Casper are 6 month-old sheep twins born in Spring of 2021.
