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Animal-assisted Intervention
Animal-assisted interventions are goal-oriented and structured interventions that intentionally incorporate animals in health, education, and human service for the purpose of therapeutic gains and improved health and wellness.
~ Association of Animal-assisted Intervention Professionals
Our Mission
One PET at a Time Mobile Therapy Pet Ministry provides comfort, healing, and education through several species of trained therapy animals to offer animal-assisted intervention at no charge to clients.
OPAAT is a 501(c)3 organization.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation click the button below to be taken to a secure website.
Meet the Crew
Marcus
Marcus is about 14 years old and has been with me since 2015. He is the most curious of all my boys and is the greeter at the fence line. Unfortunately, Marcus and two of his pasture mates were attacked by a dog in 2018, and ended up recuperating in my garage for 6-weeks. It was during this time that I realized he had potential to enjoy being a therapy alpaca. Despite what he had been through, he never lost his confidence or curiosity.
Squinky
Squinky originally came to me as a foster kitten. I was volunteering with an animal shelter when he was surrendered to the shelter with paralyzed back legs. We had to help him go to the bathroom, and he wore a diaper so he wouldn't get a UTI as he was scooting around the floor. After multiple trips to the vet during COVID lockdown, several visits to an animal chiropractor, and lots of therapy and TLC, he now does everything a cat can do...he just does it a little differently. Squinky is 3-years-old
Willie
We have had Willie since he was an 8-week-old puppy. Willie is always ready for a ride, especially when he sees his therapy harness come out. He loves to GIVE love and GET love!
Being a therapy dog is a new job for Willie at the age of 11, which just goes to show...you really can teach an old dog new tricks!
Tawney
Founder/ President
I am a soon-to-be-retired homeschool mom of four, with my final student graduating in 2023. I've held this position for 25 years, as all my kids have been homeschooled from cradle to college.
Years ago, I earned a B.A. in Human Services Administration with an emphasis in Gerontology from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. My commencement photos show me proudly holding my degree in one hand and another great accomplishment in the other hand --our first-born daughter.
With most of our kids having “grown and flown,” I'm returning to the workforce. I've combined two of my passions – compassion for people and working with animals – as the Founder of the non-profit organization, One PET at a Time, a multi-species Mobile Therapy Pet Ministry.
I am also a proud member of the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals. AAAIP is a community of professionals who value the human animal bond and the power of animal-assisted interventions.
Their mission is to empower professionals to responsibly integrate the healing power of therapy animals into their practice while advancing the field of Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI). AAAIP envisions a future where AAI is practiced widely, ethically, and successfully.
I am currently studying for my certification to be an Animal-assisted Intervention Specialist. This involves the completion of four courses through AAAIP and a three hour online proctored exam. I hope to complete this certification in 2023.
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