Furry friend heals the traumatized

BRACKENHURST – Man’s best friend became much more when Buddy and his right hand man, Joe Adlem (who resides in Brackenhurst and works at Emperors Palace) began treating patients suffering from traumatic experiences.

Joe is a counsellor who has specialised in trauma, family counselling and all other fields of psychological care while also being a minister. Buddy is a Golden Retriever who was trained by Paws of People as a therapy K9, who is also trained for search and rescue and drug sniffing operations.

Together the pair wake up in the morning only hoping that they will make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning.

“Buddy signals a sense of safety, security and feelings of well-being for patients, which is particularly important for those dealing with a trauma,” said Joe.

Animals used in therapy include domesticated pets, farm animals and marine mammals (such as dolphins), although Buddy, a K9, has become more than just a domestic pet. Joe sleeps, works and plays with Buddy, although he is property of Ikhambi Cares.

Ikhambi Cares is a medical firm where Joe works as their Group Specialized Counsellor.

Buddy and Joe work with people who have suffered traumatic experiences such as stress, depression, marital and family problems, abuse, drug dependency and trauma, anxiety, death, accidents and hijackings, among other traumas.

“Not everything is always sunshine and rainbows, traumatic experiences can knock you off your feet and that is why Buddy and I are here to help heal some of the hurt in this world,” said Joe, while Buddy barked in agreement.

If you would like to contact Joe in any emergency, search and rescue, therapy or just a show, contact him on his 24 hour cell 082 966 3812 or e-mail letstalk@ikhambicare.com for further information.