World Animals Day Special

Sam with his mother Antonia - Image from The Brampton Guardian

On the occasion of World Animals Day I have chosen a story that proves animals to be not just the ultimate compassionate companions but also the best sources of healing. Animals are always thought to be savage and wild while humans more cultured and perceptive. But one wonders sometimes if this definition is true. I have found that more often than not its always the other way round. Case in point. Three year old Sam Spiteri who lives in Caledon, Brampton, Ontario will agree with me too. He has been struggling with cerebral palsy, which limits his physical capabilities to a great extent. Three years ago, Sam's parents purchased Emily, a retired pony to give company to Sam and also as a therapeutic measure. Therapeutic horseriding is now beginning to be a popular diversion for children and adults with handicaps, which prevents them from participating in normal muscle building activities. For Sam, Emily was invaluable because his diagnosis as a Spastic Quadrapalegic Cerebral Palsy patient meant that maintaining his balance and gait was an extremely tough job. The most difficult areas to build his developing muscles were the core areas of the body - the torso, the back and the abdomen, which can be developed through riding. Emily is maintained on their one-acre land and the issue now is that the family has received a complaint from a neighbor asking them to remove Emily from the premises. According to Antonia Spiteri, Sam's mother, the town of Caledon informed her that barnyard animals are not allowed to be kept within city limits. She has been given the option of following up with the Town's committee of adjustment, and as long as the family does follow up with the committee, there won't be any action taken as of yet. Readers of my blog will recall and similar incident with Scott and his horse in Hickman, Nebraska. Sometimes animals are not only the best companions but also the most sensible of all too.

Read more about Sam and Emily

What is Therapeutic Horseback Riding?

Information about North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA)