OUR MISSION: Improving the quality of life for people of all ages through the therapeutic use of companion animals.

Courses

• SOWK 496 or SOWK696-GROUP STUDY.
• EXPLORING THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND AND ANIMAL ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS
  Offered: Spring Semester 2010
  Location: Education Bldg
  Credits: 2
  Prerequisites: None
• Course description: This group study course will offer students the opportunity to explore the nature of the human-animal bond, the therapeutic use of companion animals and provide an understanding of animal assisted therapy (AAT) and animal assisted activity (AAA).  Students will help conduct group discussion and design semester projects under the supervision of the instructors.  Approximately eight to ten students will be accepted into the group study course. Plans are to meet twice monthly with independent reading assignments.
• Course rationale: The human-animal bond is recognized as an important and powerful relationship for both humans and animals. This relationship is worldwide. The understanding of the human-animal bond is an especially important concept in the therapeutic use of companion animals. Animal-assisted activity/therapy is one interventive approach that is increasingly being used with various client populations. AAA/AAT is also multidisciplinary, especially with such disciplines as social work, education, occupational therapy, human development and family studies, psychology, and animal sciences. There is need for more in-depth understanding of the conceptual framework and practice base of AAA/AAT.
• Instructors: Ben and Georgia Granger, Co-Directors of HABIC (Human Animal Bond in Colorado) CSU Center for the Human-Animal Bond, School of Social Work.
• Group Study applications are available at the School of Social Work office, 127 Education Building.
  • For more information contact Ben Granger at the HABIC office 491-2776 or email granger@cahs.colostate.edu