How Animals Teach us Qualities of Awareness

Sherry-Lynne Kirschner • November 1, 2024

From the moment I witnessed a child soften when they stroked a baby flying squirrel rehabilitating at our outdoor education centre, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. In the weeks that followed I watched some summer campers let go of their worries through laughing hysterically at the crazy acrobatics of our baby goats. Then a homesick child reported to me that I didn’t need to call home because after spending time with Yeller, our dog, “she just felt different inside.”


As years passed, I marveled at kids gazing peacefully at water bugs during “Pond and Puddle Ponderings” workshops and others wildly racing to finish schoolwork to gain the ever-popular reward of being part of the “Rat Pack” in my classroom. Who would ever have thought the greatest motivator for a child to learn would be the chance to interact at recess with one of the most despised animals on the planet? If you want to read about how my grade 6 students transformed our classroom into a chapel and banquet hall to host the infamous “Marshmallow and Turkey Rat wedding” stayed tuned!


Over the thousands of interactions of animals and children that I have watched, I have noticed that each animal brings with them a unique quality of awareness. And if we take the time to share this with the kids in our care, valuable learning can occur.

Why Bunnies?


Rabbits teach impulse control through gently helping a child draw their body to stillness. Children quickly learn they can prolong the time a bunny sits on their lap, the quieter they become. As prey animals, rabbits are highly sensitive to their surroundings. They will clearly communicate through their posture and behaviour when they feel safe or threatened. This provides a unique opportunity for children to develop their capacity to focus and calm their body, heart and mind.  They can also cultivate essential non-verbal communication skills for forming friendships and positive relationships with others.  I’ve noticed that there is a “softening of the heart” that often occurs when a child holds a rabbit.  The connection that is formed through the stillness and quiet that they share inspires relaxation, empathy and feelings of peace.

Why Horses?


Interacting with horses requires children and teens to be present. They learn to watch for and respond to horses’ subtle signals, which in turn develops their own sense of awareness. Due to the calm steadfast nature of horses and their ability to “mirror emotions”, children can learn how to process difficult feelings through purposeful, guided interaction with these noble teachers. When we provide group challenges with equine and human friends, children and teens can practice problem-solving tasks, in the moment, in ways that often trigger introspection, self-awareness and insight. It takes confidence to walk a 2000-pound animal through an obstacle course. This intentional practice overtime cultivates self-esteem, and team building skills while providing children and teens with valuable strategies to dissipate anger, anxiety and other difficult emotions. 

It’s hard to summarize in words the magic that occurs when a child bonds with an animal. It’s like they open a tiny window in their heart and the animal fills it with love and acceptance. Through my work, I am so deeply grateful and honoured to participate in the process of these unique connections. I believe animals have power like no other to mend bodies, settle minds and heal hearts.

The Best Therapist has Fur and Four Legs

By Sherry-Lynne Kirschner • December 1, 2024
Our pets are portals to connect a place in our hearts where we can learn to quiet the mind and body, and find greater peace and emotional well-being. I watched a group of 4-6 year olds, who we call our “mindful pals” blissfully interact with one of our retired herd members the other day and I felt so privileged to witness the magical connection in progress. She’s known as the grandmother of the herd, not only for her age, but also for the wisdom she has passed on to the masses. I observed their little hands go on a sensory walk searching for the warmest spots, then the coolest spots, and ultimately the sweetest spots, at which point the pony clearly communicated her delight. She gently closed her eyes and lowered her head in response to their soft massages. 
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